U.S. patent number 6,567,345 [Application Number 09/554,234] was granted by the patent office on 2003-05-20 for clocking device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Seiko Epson Corporation. Invention is credited to Tsuneaki Furukawa, Eiichi Hiraya, Nobuhiro Koike, Akihiko Maruyama.
United States Patent |
6,567,345 |
Furukawa , et al. |
May 20, 2003 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Clocking device
Abstract
A timepiece has an ordinary time measuring section including an
ordinary time display unit for measuring an ordinary time and time
information (i.e., chronograph) measuring sections including
chronograph displays for measuring time information other than the
ordinary time (i.e., chronograph information). The timepiece is
configured such that the ordinary time display unit and the
chronograph display units, are disposed on a display surface of the
timepiece without overlapping each other.
Inventors: |
Furukawa; Tsuneaki (Matsumoto,
JP), Koike; Nobuhiro (Chino, JP), Hiraya;
Eiichi (Shiojiro, JP), Maruyama; Akihiko (Suwa,
JP) |
Assignee: |
Seiko Epson Corporation (Tokyo,
JP)
|
Family
ID: |
27334613 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/554,234 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2000 |
PCT
Filed: |
September 10, 1999 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/JP99/04970 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO00/16171 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
March 23, 2000 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
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|
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|
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Sep 10, 1998 [JP] |
|
|
10-257329 |
Sep 10, 1998 [JP] |
|
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10-257330 |
Sep 10, 1998 [JP] |
|
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10-257331 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
368/80; 368/110;
368/113; 368/223 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G04B
33/02 (20130101); G04C 3/008 (20130101); G04F
7/0809 (20130101); G04F 7/0847 (20130101); G04C
3/146 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G04B
33/00 (20060101); G04B 33/02 (20060101); G04C
3/00 (20060101); G04F 7/00 (20060101); G04F
7/08 (20060101); G04C 3/14 (20060101); G04B
019/04 (); G04B 025/00 (); G04F 010/00 (); G04F
008/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;368/8,76,80,88,107,110-113,223,276,281,185,189,190 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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661 404 |
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Jul 1987 |
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CH |
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0 335 054 |
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Oct 1989 |
|
EP |
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47-28700 |
|
Aug 1972 |
|
JP |
|
60-189886 |
|
Dec 1985 |
|
JP |
|
61-83991 |
|
Apr 1986 |
|
JP |
|
63-29796 |
|
Feb 1988 |
|
JP |
|
2-77679 |
|
Mar 1990 |
|
JP |
|
5-215868 |
|
Aug 1993 |
|
JP |
|
8-431 |
|
Feb 1996 |
|
JP |
|
88 09530 |
|
Dec 1988 |
|
WO |
|
Primary Examiner: Miska; Vit
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A timepiece having an ordinary time measuring section for
measuring an ordinary time and a chronograph measuring section for
measuring chronograph information, wherein the ordinary time
measuring section has an ordinary time train wheel, an ordinary
time drive unit including a first motor for driving the ordinary
time train wheel and an ordinary time display unit including hands
for indicating time, and the chronograph measuring section has
chronograph train wheels, a chronograph drive unit including a
second motor for driving the chronograph train wheels and a
chronograph display unit including hands for indicating chronograph
information, wherein the first motor and the second motor are
independent of one another, and wherein the ordinary time display
unit and the chronograph display unit are driven by a single quartz
resonator, and w(herein the ordinary time display unit and the
chronograph display unit are entirely disposed on a display surface
of the timepiece without overlapping each other.
2. A timepiece according to claim 1, wherein at least one part of
the ordinary time train wheel and at least one part of the ordinary
time drive unit overlap on a plane.
3. A timepiece according to claim 1, wherein at least one part of
the chronograph train wheels and at least one part of the
chronograph drive unit overlap on a plane.
4. A timepiece according to claim 1, wherein at least one part of
the ordinary time train wheel and at least one part of the ordinary
time drive unit overlap on a first plane, and at least one part of
the chronograph train wheels and at least one part of the
chronograph drive unit overlap on a second plane which may be the
same as or different than the first plane.
5. A timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the ordinary time
display unit and the chronograph display unit are disposed at
locations other than the approximate center of the display surface
of the timepiece and the ordinary time display unit and the
chronograph display unit are separately disposed at an outer
peripheral location which has an arbitrary distance from the
approximate center.
6. A timepiece according to claim 5, wherein the chronograph
display unit comprises a plurality of chronograph display units,
and wherein the ordinary display unit is disposed at a position of
approximately 6 o'clock on the display surface of the timepiece and
the plurality of chronograph display units are separately disposed
at positions other than at the position of approximately 6 o'clock
on the display surface of the timepiece.
7. A timepiece according to claim 6, wherein the chronograph
display units are separately disposed at positions of approximately
2 o'clock, approximately 12 o'clock, and approximately 10 o'clock
on the display surface of the timepiece, respectively.
8. A timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the ordinary time
drive unit is an ordinary time motor which is disposed at a
location corresponding to a position of approximately 6 o'clock on
the display surface of the timepiece.
9. A timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the chronograph drive
unit is a chronograph motor which is disposed at a location
corresponding to a position between approximately 9 o'clock and
approximately 12 o'clock on the display surface of the
timepiece.
10. A timepiece according to claim 6, wherein the chronograph drive
unit is a single chronograph motor which drives the chronograph
display units, which are separately disposed on the display surface
of the timepiece, through the chronograph train wheels.
11. A timepiece according to claim 1, wherein a power supply unit
as a power supply for the ordinary time measuring section and the
chronograph measuring section is disposed at a location
corresponding to a position between approximately 1 o'clock and
approximately 2 o'clock on the display surface of the
timepiece.
12. A timepiece according to claim 1, wherein an electric signal
output unit of the ordinary time measuring section and the time
information measuring section is disposed at a location
corresponding to a position of approximately 8 o'clock on the
display surface of the timepiece.
13. A timepiece according to claim 1, wherein a time correcting
unit of the ordinary time measuring section is disposed at a
location corresponding to a position of approximately 4 o'clock on
the display surface of the timepiece.
14. A timepiece according to claim 13, wherein the time correcting
unit of the ordinary time measuring section comprises an external
manipulating member, and is disposed at a location corresponding to
a position of approximately 4 o'clock on the display surface of the
timepiece.
15. A timepiece according to claim 1, further having a reset to
zero mechanism for mechanically resetting the measurement of
chronograph information to zero, wherein a timepiece main body is
composed of a plurality of layers and the reset to zero mechanism
is disposed on a layer whose height in a sectional direction is
different from that of a layer on which the ordinary time measuring
section and the chronograph measuring section are disposed.
16. A timepiece according to claim 15, wherein the chronograph
measuring section has a display for at least two kinds of
chronograph units.
17. A timepiece according to claim 16, wherein the display has
train wheels.
18. A timepiece according to 15, wherein the timepiece is a wrist
watch.
19. A timepiece according to 15, wherein the timepiece is a quartz
type watch.
20. A timepiece according to claim 1, further having a reset to
zero mechanism including a reset to zero lever for mechanically
resetting the chronograph display unit to zero and an actuation cam
for actuating the reset to zero lever, wherein the actuation cam is
disposed at an approximate center of a timepiece main body.
21. A timepiece according to claim 20, wherein the center of
rotation of an indicator wheel, to which the indicator hands of the
ordinary time display unit are attached, is disposed in a
peripheral area of the approximate center of the timepiece main
body.
22. A timepiece according to claim 20, wherein the center of
rotation of an indicator wheel, to which the indicator hands of the
chronograph display unit are attached, is disposed in a peripheral
area of the approximate center of the timepiece main body.
23. A timepiece according to claim 20, wherein the center of
rotation of an indicator wheel, to which the indicator hands of the
ordinary time display unit are attached, and the position of the
center of rotation of an indicator wheel, to which the indicator
hands of the chronograph display unit are attached, are disposed in
respective peripheral areas of the approximate center of the
timepiece main body.
24. A timepiece according to claim 20, wherein for the chronograph
display unit displays at least two kinds of chronograph
information.
25. A timepiece according to claim 24, wherein the chronograph
display unit has train wheels.
26. A timepiece according to 20, wherein the timepiece is a wrist
watch.
27. A timepiece according to 20, wherein the timepiece is a quartz
type watch.
28. A timepiece having an ordinary time measuring section for
measuring an ordinary time, a chronograph measuring section for
measuring chronograph information, and a power generating unit for
converting mechanical energy into electric energy and generating a
drive voltage for driving the ordinary time measuring section and
the chronograph measuring section, wherein a timepiece main body is
composed of a plurality of layers and the power generating unit is
disposed on a layer whose height in a sectional direction is
different from that of a layer on which the ordinary time measuring
section and the chronograph measuring section are disposed, and
wherein the power generating unit is covered by a magnetic
screen.
29. A timepiece having an ordinary time measuring section for
measuring an ordinary time, a chronograph measuring section for
measuring chronograph information, a reset to zero mechanism for
mechanically resetting the measurement of chronograph information
to zero, and a power generating unit for converting mechanical
energy into electric energy and generating a drive voltage for
driving the ordinary time measuring section and the chronograph
measuring section, wherein a timepiece main body is composed of a
plurality of layers and the reset to zero mechanism and the power
generating unit are disposed on a layer whose height in a sectional
direction is different from that of a layer on which the ordinary
time measuring section and the chronograph measuring section are
disposed, and wherein the power generating unit is covered by a
magnetic screen.
30. A timepiece having an ordinary time measuring section for
measuring an ordinary time, a chronograph measuring section for
measuring chronograph information, and a reset to zero mechanism
for mechanically resetting the measurement of chronograph
information to zero, wherein a timepiece main body is composed of a
plurality of layers and the reset to zero mechanism is disposed on
a layer whose height in a sectional direction is different from
that of a layer on which the ordinary time measuring section and
the chronograph measuring section are disposed, and wherein the
reset to zero mechanism overlaps the chronograph measuring section
on a plane in the disposition thereof.
31. A timepiece having an ordinary time measuring section for
measuring an ordinary time, a chronograph measuring section for
measuring chronograph information, and a power generating unit for
converting mechanical energy into electrical energy and generating
a drive voltage for driving the ordinary time measuring section and
chronograph measuring section, wherein a timepiece main body is
composed of a plurality of layers and the power generating unit is
disposed on a layer whose height in a sectional direction is
different from that of a layer on which the ordinary time measuring
section and the chronograph measuring section are disposed, and
wherein the power generating unit overlaps the ordinary time
measuring section on a plane in the disposition thereof.
32. A timepiece having an ordinary time measuring section for
measuring an ordinary time, a chronograph measuring section for
measuring chronograph information, a reset to zero mechanism for
mechanically resetting the measurement of chronograph information
to zero, and a power generating unit for converting mechanical
energy into electrical energy and generating a drive voltage for
driving the ordinary time measuring section and the chronograph
measuring section, wherein a timepiece main body is composed of a
plurality of layers and the reset to zero mechanism and the power
generating unit are disposed on a layer whose height in a sectional
direction is different from that of a layer on which the ordinary
time measuring section and the chronograph measuring section are
disposed, and wherein the reset to zero mechanism and the power
generating unit are disposed on the same layer.
33. A timepiece having an ordinary time measuring section for
measuring an ordinary time, a chronograph measuring section for
measuring chronograph information, a reset to zero mechanism for
mechanically resetting the measurement of chronograph information
to zero, and a power generating unit for converting mechanical
energy into electrical energy and generating a drive voltage for
driving the ordinary time measuring section and the chronograph
measuring section, wherein a timepiece main body is composed of a
plurality of layers and the reset to zero mechanism and the power
generating unit are disposed on a layer whose height in a sectional
direction is different from that of a layer on which the ordinary
time measuring section and the chronograph measuring section are
disposed, and wherein the reset to zero mechanism and the power
generating unit are disposed on different layers.
34. A timepiece having an ordinary time measuring section for
measuring an ordinary time, a chronograph measuring section for
measuring chronograph information, and a power generating unit for
converting mechanical energy into electrical energy and generating
a drive voltage for driving the ordinary time measuring section and
chronograph measuring section, wherein a timepiece main body is
composed of a plurality of layers and the power generating unit is
disposed on a layer whose height in a sectional direction is
different from that of a layer on which the ordinary time measuring
section and the chronograph measuring section are disposed, and
wherein the power generating unit, the ordinary time measuring
section and the time information measuring section are connected to
each other through elastic members.
35. A timepiece having an ordinary time measuring section for
measuring an ordinary time, a chronograph measuring section for
measuring chronograph information, and a power generating unit for
converting mechanical energy into electrical energy and generating
a drive voltage for driving the ordinary time measuring section and
chronograph measuring section, wherein a timepiece main body is
composed of a plurality of layers and the power generating unit is
disposed on a layer whose height in a sectional direction is
different from that of a layer on which the ordinary time measuring
section and the chronograph measuring section are disposed, and
wherein a magnetic shield member is disposed on at least one of the
upper layer side and the lower layer side of the power generating
unit.
36. A timepiece having an ordinary time measuring section for
measuring an ordinary time, a chronograph measuring section for
measuring chronograph information, and a power generating unit for
converting mechanical energy into electrical energy and generating
a drive voltage for driving the ordinary time measuring section and
chronograph measuring section, wherein a timepiece main body is
composed of a plurality of layers and the power generating unit is
disposed on a layer whose height in a sectional direction is
different from that of a layer on which the ordinary time measuring
section and the chronograph measuring section are disposed, and
wherein the power generating unit comprises a power generating
rotor and a power generating coil.
37. A timepiece according to claim 36, wherein the power generating
rotor is rotated by an oscillating weight.
38. A timepiece having an ordinary time measuring section for
measuring ordinary time, a chronograph measuring section including
a chronograph display unit for measuring chronograph information,
and a reset to zero mechanism including a plurality of reset to
zero levers for mechanically resetting the chronograph display unit
to zero and an actuation cam for actuating the plurality of reset
to zero levers, wherein the actuation cam is disposed at an
approximate center of a timepiece main body.
39. A timepiece having an ordinary time measuring section including
an ordinary time display unit for measuring ordinary time, a
chronograph measuring section including a chronograph display unit
for measuring chronograph information, and a reset to zero
mechanism including a reset to zero lever for mechanically
resetting the chronograph display unit to zero and an actuation cam
for actuating the plurality of reset to zero levers, wherein the
actuation cam is disposed at an approximate center of a timepiece
main body, said timepiece further comprising a power generating
unit for converting mechanical energy into electric energy and
generating a drive voltage for driving the ordinary time display
unit and the chronograph display unit.
40. A timepiece according to claim 39, wherein the power generating
unit comprises a power generating rotor and a power generating
coil.
41. A timepiece according to claim 40, wherein the power generating
rotor is rotated by an oscillating weight.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multi-function timepiece having
hands and to a time measuring method.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 8 shows the display surface of an electronic watch as a
conventional multi-function timepiece. In FIG. 8, an electronic
watch 10 first includes an outer case 11. The outer case 11 has a
dial 12 in the inside thereof in the figure.
The dial 12 has an ordinary time display unit disposed thereon as
the display unit of an ordinary time measuring section.
Specifically, first, an ordinary second time display unit 13 is
disposed at the position of an approximately 6 o'clock of the dial
12. An ordinary second time small second hand 13a is disposed to
the ordinary second time display unit 13.
Further, an ordinary hour and minute time display unit 14 is
located at the center of the dial 12 and includes an ordinary time
hour hand 14a and an ordinary time minute hand 14b.
The ordinary second time small second hand 13a, the ordinary time
hour hand 14a, and the ordinary time minute hand 14b are hands
disposed on the dial 12 to display an ordinary time. However, since
the electronic watch 10 has multi-functions, component for
exhibiting a chronograph function are disposed on the dial 12 in
addition to the above hands.
As the components for exhibiting the chronograph function, first, a
chronograph minute display unit 15 is disposed at an upper portion
of the dial 12. The chronograph minute display unit 15 is provided
with a chronograph minute CG hand 15a. Further, a chronograph 1/5
second CG hand 16 is disposed at the center of the dial 12.
In the multi-function electronic watch 10, when a user desires to
confirm an ordinary time, he or she visually confirms the ordinary
second time small second hand 13a, the ordinary time hour hand 14a,
and the ordinary time minute hand 14b.
Further, when the chronograph function is to be exhibited in the
electronic watch 10, first, for example, the user presses a
start/stop button 17. With this operation, the electronic watch 10
starts measuring a time. At the time, the chronograph 1/5 second CG
hand 16 and the chronograph minute CG hand 15a are rotated.
Then, when the start/stop button 17 is pressed again, the
measurement of the time is finished, the chronograph 1/5 second CG
hand 16 and the chronograph CG minute hand 15a are stopped, and the
measured time is displayed.
Note that when the user presses a reset button 18 provided with the
electronic watch 10, the measured time is reset and the chronograph
1/5 second CG hand 16 and the chronograph minute CG hand 15a are
returned to a zero position.
The train wheels and the like of the ordinary second time small
second hand 13a, the ordinary time hour hand 14a, the ordinary time
minute hand 14b, the chronograph 1/5 second CG hand 16 and the
chronograph minute CG hand 15a, which operate as described above,
will be described below.
FIG. 9 is a view showing the train wheels of the respective hands
13a, 14a, 14b, 15, and 16. In FIG. 9, the train wheels and the like
of the respective hands 13a, 14a, 14b, 15, and 16 will be mainly
described and the description of the arrangement other than the
train wheels are omitted.
First, the train wheels and the like of the ordinary second time
small second hand 13a, the ordinary time hour hand 14a and the
ordinary time minute hand 14b which display the ordinary time will
be described.
In FIG. 9, an ordinary time step motor 3 is disposed on a main
plate 1, which is composed of a molded resin, to display the
ordinary time. The ordinary time step motor 3 is provided with a
rotor 4 for it. The rotor 4 of the ordinary time step motor 3 is
meshed with a fifth wheel 5. The fifth wheel 5 is meshed with a
second wheel 6 which is further meshed with a small second wheel
136 through other wheel gear 7. The ordinary second time small
second hand 13a shown in FIG. 8 is disposed at the extreme end of
the small second wheel 136 and driven.
Further, the second wheel 6 is meshed with a center wheel 8 through
a third wheel 24. The ordinary time minute hand 14b of FIG. 10 is
disposed to the center wheel 8 and driven.
Further, the center wheel 8 is meshed with an hour wheel 10 through
a minute wheel 9. The ordinary time hour hand 14a of FIG. 10 is
disposed to the hour wheel 10 and driven.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the relationship between the
ordinary time hour hand 14a and the ordinary time minute hand 14b
disposed as described above.
As shown in FIG. 10, the ordinary time hour hand 14a and the
ordinary time minute hand 14b are disposed at the center of the
hour wheel 10 so as to be overlapped in the thickness direction of
the hour wheel 10.
Next, the train wheels and the like of the chronograph 1/5 second
CG hand 16 and the chronograph minute CG hand 15a will be
described.
In FIG. 9, a chronograph step motor 15 is disposed on the main
plate 1. The chronograph step motor 15 is provided with a rotor 16
for it. Then, the rotor 16 of the chronograph step motor 15 is
meshed with a 1/5 second CG second intermediate wheel 18 through a
1/5 second CG first intermediate wheel 17. Then, the 1/5 second CG
second intermediate wheel 18 is meshed with a 1/5 second CG wheel
19, and a chronograph 1/5 second CG hand 16 is disposed at the
extreme end of the 1/5 second CG wheel 19 as shown in FIG. 10 and
driven.
Further, in FIG. 9, a chronograph minute display step motor 27 is
disposed on the main plate 1. The chronograph step motor 27 is
provided with a rotor 28 . The rotor 28 of the chronograph minute
display step motor is meshed with a minute CG wheel 30 through a
minute CG intermediate wheel 29.
The chronograph minute CG hand 15a shown in FIG. 8 is attached to
the minute CG wheel 30 and driven.
The ordinary second time small second hand 13a, the ordinary time
hour hand 14a, the ordinary time minute hand 14b, the chronograph
1/5 second CG hand 16, and the chronograph minute CG hand 15a are
disposed as described above and train wheels and the like are
provided accordingly. In particular, the ordinary time hour hand
14a, the ordinary time minute hand 14b, and the chronograph 1/5
second CG hand 16 are disposed at the center of the main plate 1 so
that they overlap each other as shown in FIG. 9. Therefore, since
the train wheels and the like also are disposed so as to overlap
each other at the center, there is a problem that the thickness of
the electronic watch 10 is inevitably increased.
Further, since all the hands 13a, 14a, and 16 are driven at the
center of the dial 12, there is also a problem that it is difficult
for the user to read them.
An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems
and to provide a timepiece whose size and thickness are reduced and
which can be visually viewed by a user easily.
Conventionally, there are, for example, wrist watches having an
analog display type chronograph function as multi-function
timepieces having hands. When the wrist watch is an electronic
watch, it includes in the main body thereof train wheels for
transmitting drive force to hands for displaying an ordinary time,
train wheels for transmitting drive force to hands for displaying a
chronograph, for example, an hour chronograph hand, a minute
chronograph hand, and a second chronograph hand, a motor for
generating the drive force of the hands for displaying an ordinary
time, a motor for generating the drive force of the hands for
displaying the chronograph, an electronic circuit for controlling
the respective components, and a cell of, for example, a button
type as a drive power supply of the motors and the like. When a
start/stop button provided with the wrist watch is pressed, the
electronic circuit is operated and the measurement of a time is
started and the time chronograph hand, the minute chronograph hand,
and the second chronograph hand are rotated. When the start/stop
button is pressed again, the electronic circuit is operated and the
measurement of the time is ended, the time chronograph hand, the
minute chronograph hand, and the second chronograph hand are
stopped, and a measured time is displayed. Further, when a reset
button provided with the wrist watch is pressed, the electronic
circuit is operated, thereby resetting the measured time, and the
time chronograph hand, the minute chronograph hand, and the second
chronograph hand are returned to a zero position (hereinafter,
referred to as "reset to zero").
There is a mechanical reset to zero means (reset to zero mechanism)
in addition to the electronic type reset to zero means described
above as the reset to zero means of the wrist watch having the
analog display type chronograph function. However, when the reset
to zero mechanism is assembled to conventional electronic watches
having the analog display type chronograph function, a problem is
arisen in that the size of watch main body, in particular, the size
thereof in a plane (lateral) direction is increased, and thus this
arrangement has not been in practical use.
Further, electronic watches are now provided with a power
generating unit for converting mechanical energy into electric
energy as a power supply for driving motors and the like. However,
there are disadvantages with assembling power generating unit to
the conventional electronic watches having the analog display type
chronograph function. For example, the size of watch main body, in
particular, the thickness is increased similarly to the above case
as well as reliability cannot be obtained in electric conduction.
Additionally, the influence of the magnetic filed of generated
power cannot be prevented, and thus this arrangement has not been
in practical use.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems
and to provide a timepiece which is small in size, has high
reliability in the electric conduction to a power generating unit
and can prevent the influence of the magnetic field of generated
power.
Conventionally, there are available, for example, wrist watches
having an analog display type chronograph function as
multi-function timepieces having hands. The wrist watches have, for
example, a mechanical reset to zero mechanism for operating a
chronograph.
FIG. 53 is a plan view showing an example of the reset to zero
mechanism of a conventional wrist watch having an analog display
type chronograph function. The reset to zero mechanism is a
mechanism for operating a chronograph second hand 62 disposed at
the center of a watch main body 61.
When a start/stop button 63 is pressed, an actuation cam 65 is
rotated by an actuating lever 64 by a tooth and the extreme end of
a first chronograph coupling lever 66 is fallen between columns 65a
disposed to the actuation cam 65. With this operation, since the
first chronograph coupling lever 66 and a second chronograph
coupling lever 67 are separated from a ring 68 for transmitting
drive force to the chronograph second hand 62, the chronograph
second hand 2 is rotated. When the start/stop button 63 is pressed
again, the actuation cam 65 is rotated by the actuating lever 64 by
a tooth and the extreme end of the first chronograph coupling lever
66 is lifted by a column 65 of the actuation cam 65. With this
operation, since the first chronograph coupling lever 66 and the
second chronograph coupling lever 67 come into contact with the
ring 68 and lift it, no drive force is transmitted to the
chronograph second hand 62. Thus, the chronograph second hand 62 is
stopped and displays a measured time. Further, when a reset button
69 is pressed, the actuation cam 65 is rotated by an actuating
lever 70 by a tooth and the extreme end of a reset to zero lever 71
is fallen between columns 65a of the actuation cam 65. With this
operation, since the reset to zero lever 71 strikes a heart cam 72
coupled with the chronograph second hand 62, the chronograph second
hand 62 is returned to a zero position.
In the wrist watch having the analog display type chronograph
function as the conventional timepiece, since the chronograph
second hand 62 is disposed at the center of the watch main body 61,
the reset to zero mechanism thereof must be disposed on a side of
the watch main body 61. Therefore, there is a problem that a
useless space is liable to be made on the other side of the watch
main body 61 and the size of the watch main body 61 is
increased.
Further, since the actuation cam 65 of the reset to zero mechanism
cannot be disposed at the center of the watch main body 61, when a
watch includes a plurality of chronograph hands, the lengths of the
reset to zero levers of the respective chronograph hands must be
changed. Thus, it is difficult to design the watch so that the
respective reset to zero levers strike heart cams at the same
timing with the same torque, and there arises a problem that a
higher accuracy cannot be achieved, a useless space is liable to be
made in layout, and the size of the watch main body 1 is
increased.
An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems
and to provide a timepiece which is small in size and has a
pinpoint accuracy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a timepiece having an ordinary time
measuring section for measuring an ordinary time and a time
information measuring section for measuring time information other
than the ordinary time, the timepiece being characterized in that
the parts, which constitute the ordinary time measuring section and
the time information measuring section, are entirely or partly
disposed without overlapping on a plane.
In the present invention, since the parts, which constitute the
ordinary time measuring section and the time information measuring
section, are entirely or partly disposed without overlapping on a
plane, the ordinary time measuring section and the time information
measuring section are not accommodated in the interior of the
timepiece by overlapping each other.
In the arrangement of the timepiece of the present invention, the
ordinary time measuring section has an ordinary time train wheel,
an ordinary time drive unit and an ordinary time display unit and
the time information measuring section has chronograph train
wheels, a chronograph drive unit and a chronograph display
unit.
Since the ordinary time display unit and the chronograph display
unit are disposed without overlapping each other in a thickness
direction, the display sections are not overlapped.
In the arrangement of the timepiece of the present invention any
ones of the parts which constitute the ordinary time train wheel
and the ordinary time drive unit of the ordinary time measuring
section overlap on a plane.
In the arrangement of the timepiece of the present invention, any
ones of the parts which constitute the chronograph train wheels and
the chronograph drive unit of the time measuring section overlap on
a plane.
In the arrangement of the timepiece of the present invention any
ones of the parts which constitute the ordinary time train wheel
and the ordinary time drive unit of the ordinary time measuring
section overlap on a plane and any ones of the parts which
constitute the ordinary time train wheel and the ordinary time
drive unit of the ordinary time measuring section overlap on a
plane.
Since the parts constituting each of the ordinary time measuring
section and the time information measuring section overlap each
other on the surface in sites, the plane sizes of the respective
sites can be reduced and thus the size of the entire timepiece can
be reduced. a. In the arrangement of the timepiece of the present
invention the ordinary time display unit and the chronograph
display unit are disposed to portions other than the approximate
center of the display surface of the timepiece and the ordinary
time display unit and the chronograph display unit are separately
disposed to an outer peripheral portion which has an arbitrary
distance from the approximate center. Since the ordinary time
display section and the chronograph display section are separately
disposed, respectively, the display sections do not overlap each
other.
In the arrangement of the timepiece of the present invention, the
ordinary display unit is disposed at the position of an approximate
6 o'clock on the display surface of the timepiece and a plurality
of the chronograph display units are separately disposed at
positions other than the position of the approximate 6 o'clock on
the display surface of the timepiece.
In the present invention, the ordinary time display section is
disposed at the position of the approximate 6 o'clock on the
display surface which is relatively near to the eyes of a user.
In the arrangement of the timepiece of the present invention, the
chronograph display units are separately disposed at the positions
of an approximate 2 o'clock, an approximate 12 o'clock, and an
approximate 10 o'clock on the display surface of the timepiece,
respectively.
In the present invention, the chronograph display units are
gathered to the positions on both the sides of the approximate 12
o'clock on the display surface of the timepiece.
In the arrangement of the timepiece of the present invention, the
ordinary time drive unit is an ordinary time motor which is
disposed to a portion corresponding to the position of the 6
o'clock on the display surface of the timepiece.
In the present invention, since the ordinary time motor is disposed
at the position of the approximate 6 o'clock, the ordinary time
train wheel and the ordinary time display unit also can be disposed
at the position of the approximate 6 o'clock.
In the arrangement of the timepiece of the present invention, the
chronograph drive unit is a chronograph motor which is disposed to
a portion corresponding to the position of an approximate 9 o'clock
to the approximate 12 o'clock on the display surface of the
timepiece.
In the present invention, since the chronograph motor is disposed
to the portion corresponding to the position of the approximate 9
o'clock, the chronograph train wheels and the chronograph display
units can be disposed at the position of the approximate 10 o'clock
to the approximate 2 o'clock on the display surface of the
timepiece.
In the arrangement of the timepiece of the present invention, the
chronograph drive unit is a single chronograph motor which drives
the chronograph display units, which are separately disposed on the
display surface of the timepiece, through the chronograph train
wheels.
Since the single chronograph motor drives the chronograph display
units which are separately disposed on the display surface of the
timepiece, the number of motors is reduced as compared with the
case in which each chronograph display unit is driven by a motor
provided therewith. Further, the displays of the chronograph
display units which are disposed separately can be driven in
synchronism with each other.
A power supply unit as a power supply for the ordinary time
measuring section and the time information measuring section is
disposed to a portion corresponding to the position of an
approximate 1 o'clock to the approximate 2 o'clock on the display
surface of the timepiece.
Since the power supply unit is disposed to the portion
corresponding to the position of the approximate 1 o'clock to the
approximate 2 o'clock on the display surface of the timepiece, the
power supply unit is not located near to the ordinary time motor,
the ordinary time train wheel, the chronograph motor, the
chronograph train wheels, and the like.
According to the present invention, the electric signal output unit
of the ordinary time measuring section and the time information
measuring section is disposed to a portion corresponding to the
position of an approximate 8 o'clock on the display surface of the
timepiece.
Since the electric signal output unit is disposed to the portion
corresponding to the position of the approximate 8 o'clock on the
display surface of the timepiece, it does not overlap the ordinary
time train wheel, the chronograph train wheels, and the like in a
thickness direction.
According to the present invention, the time correcting unit of the
ordinary time measuring section is disposed to a portion
corresponding to the position of an approximate 4 o'clock on the
display surface of the timepiece.
Since the time correcting unit of the ordinary time measuring
section is disposed to the portion corresponding to the position of
the approximate 4 o'clock on the display surface of the timepiece,
the ordinary time measuring section is located in the vicinity of
the time correcting unit thereof.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an
external manipulating member as the time correcting means of the
ordinary time measuring section is disposed to a portion
corresponding to the position of the approximate 4 o'clock on the
display surface of the timepiece.
Since the external manipulating member is disposed to the portion
corresponding to the position of the approximate 4 o'clock on the
display surface of the timepiece, the manipulating member is
located in the vicinity of the time correcting unit of the ordinary
time measuring section.
According to another aspect of the present invention is a timepiece
having an ordinary time measuring section for measuring an ordinary
time, a time information measuring section for measuring time
information other than the ordinary time and a reset to zero
mechanism for mechanically resetting the measurement of time
information other than the ordinary time to zero, the timepiece
being characterized in that a timepiece main body is composed of a
plurality of layers and the reset to zero mechanism is disposed on
a layer whose height in a sectional direction is different from
that of a layer on which the ordinary time measuring section and
the time information measuring section are disposed.
In the arrangement of the present invention, the ordinary time
measuring section has an ordinary time train wheel, an ordinary
time drive unit and an ordinary time display unit and the time
information measuring section has time information train wheels,
time information drive units and time information display
units.
When the interior of the timepiece main body is partitioned in the
layers in a side (thickness) direction and the ordinary time
measuring section and the chronograph time measuring section are
disposed on a layer, the reset to zero mechanism is disposed on a
layer other than the above layer, so that the ordinary time
measuring section, the chronograph time measuring section and the
reset to zero mechanism, which include mechanical structural units
having a large occupying area, are disposed in lamination, whereby
the size of the main body in a plane (lateral) direction can be
reduced.
The invention according to another aspect is a timepiece having an
ordinary time measuring section for measuring an ordinary time, a
time information measuring section for measuring time information
other than the ordinary time, and a power generating unit for
converting mechanical energy into electric energy and generating a
drive voltage for driving the ordinary time measuring section and
the time information measuring section, the timepiece being
characterized in that a timepiece main body is composed of a
plurality of layers and the power generating unit is disposed on a
layer whose height in a sectional direction is different from that
of a layer on which the ordinary time measuring section and the
time information measuring section are disposed. When the interior
of the timepiece main body is partitioned in the layers in a side
(thickness) direction and the ordinary time measuring section and
the chronograph time measuring section are disposed on a layer, the
power generating unit is disposed on a layer other than the above
layer, so that the ordinary time measuring section, the chronograph
time measuring section and the power generating unit, which include
mechanical structural units having a large occupying area, are
disposed in lamination, whereby the size of the main body in the
plane (lateral) direction can be reduced.
Additionally, the present invention is a timepiece having an
ordinary time measuring section for measuring an ordinary time, a
time information measuring section for measuring time information
other than the ordinary time, a reset to zero mechanism for
mechanically resetting the measurement of time information other
than the ordinary time to zero, and a power generating unit for
converting mechanical energy into electric energy and generating a
drive voltage for driving the ordinary time measuring section and
the time information measuring section, the timepiece being
characterized in that a timepiece main body is composed of a
plurality of layers and the reset to zero mechanism and the power
generating unit are disposed on a layer whose height in a sectional
direction is different from that of a layer on which the ordinary
time measuring section and the time information measuring section
are disposed.
When the interior of the timepiece main body is partitioned in the
layers in a side (thickness) direction and the ordinary time
measuring section and the chronograph time measuring section are
disposed on a layer, the reset to zero mechanism and the power
generating unit are disposed on a layer other than the above layer,
so that the ordinary time measuring section, the chronograph time
measuring section and the reset to zero mechanism, which include
mechanical structural units having a large occupying area, are
disposed in lamination, whereby the size of.the main body in the
plane (lateral) direction can be reduced.
According to another aspect of the present invention the reset to
zero mechanism overlaps the time information measuring section on a
plane in the disposition thereof.
Since the reset to zero mechanism and the time information
measuring section are disposed by overlapping each other on the
plane, the size of the main body in the plane (lateral) direction
can be reduced. As a result, an associating mechanism for
associating the reset to zero mechanism with the information
measuring section, which is disposed in the vicinity of the reset
to zero mechanism, occupies a small space and the association of
them can be reliably carried out and reliability can be
enhanced.
According to a feature of the present invention the power
generating unit overlaps the ordinary time measuring section on a
plane in the disposition thereof.
Since the reset to zero mechanism and the ordinary time measuring
section are disposed by overlapping each other on the plane, the
size of the main body in the plane (lateral) direction can be
reduced.
According to one embodiment of the present invention the reset to
zero mechanism and the power generating unit are disposed on the
same layer. Since the reset to zero mechanism and the power
generating unit are disposed on the same layer which is different
from the layer on which the ordinary time measuring section and the
time information measuring section are disposed, not only the size
of the main body in a plane (lateral) direction but also the size
thereof in a side (thickness) direction can be reduced.
According to another embodiment of the present invention the reset
to zero mechanism and the power generating unit are disposed on
different layers. Since the reset to zero mechanism and the time
information measuring section are individually disposed on the
different layers which also are different from the layer on which
ordinary time measuring section and the time information measuring
section are disposed, the size of the main body in the plane
(lateral) direction can be more reduced.
According to another embodiment of the present invention the power
generating unit, the ordinary time measuring section and the time
information measuring section are conducted each other through
elastic members.
The elastic members are disposed in an elastically deformed state
so that the power generating unit, the ordinary time measuring
section and the time information measuring section, which are
disposed in lamination, come into intimate contact with each other.
Thus, when the voltage generated by the power generating unit is
conducted to the control circuit of the ordinary time measuring
section and the time information measuring section through the
elastic members, the reliability of conduction can be enhanced.
According to another embodiment of the present invention a magnetic
resistant member is disposed on at least one of the upper layer
side and the lower layer side of the power generating unit.
Since the power generating unit is covered with the magnetic
resistant member so that the magnetic field generated by the power
generating unit does not leaks outside, the influence of the
magnetic field on the ordinary time measuring section and the time
information measuring section can be prevented.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the
power generating unit comprises a power generating rotor and a
power generating coil.
The power generating rotor is rotated and a drive voltage is
generated to the power generating coil by electromagnetic
induction.
Additionally, the power generating rotor is rotated by an
oscillating weight.
Since the power generating rotor is rotated by the oscillating
weight, the drive voltage of the motors can be automatically
stored.
According to one aspect of the present invention, time information
other than the ordinary time is a chronograph.
Since the display units of time information other than an ordinary
time are used for the chronograph, an arbitrary time can be
measured while displaying the ordinary time.
Additionally, the time information other than the ordinary time has
a display means for at least two kinds of times units.
For example, 1/10 second and 12 hours can be displayed in addition
to the ordinary time.
In the arrangement of the timepiece of the present invention, the
display means for at least two kinds of the times units have train
wheels.
Since the display means for at least two kinds of the times units
are operated by the train wheels, they can be smoothly
operated.
According to one embodiment of the present invention the timepiece
is a wrist watch.
The timepiece can be arranged as, for example, a chronograph of
small size or, for example, a chronograph of small size in which a
cell and the like need not be replaced.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the
timepiece is a quartz type watch.
The timepiece can be arranged as, for example, a quartz type small
chronograph which has a mechanical reset to zero mechanism and in
which a cell and the like need not be replaced.
According to another embodiment of the present invention is a
timepiece having an ordinary time measuring section for measuring
an ordinary time, a time information measuring section for
measuring time information other than the ordinary time, and a
reset to zero mechanism including a reset to zero lever for
mechanically resetting the time information display unit to zero
and an actuation cam for actuating the reset to zero lever, the
timepiece being characterized in that the actuation cam is disposed
at an approximate center of a timepiece main body.
Since the actuation cam is disposed at the approximate center of
the timepiece main body, the reset to zero mechanism can be
arranged compact in its entirety and the position of a button and
layout can be optionally set by reducing the size of the timepiece
main body.
According to one aspect of the present invention is such that, the
position of the center of rotation of an indicator wheel, to which
the indicator hands of the ordinary time display unit are attached,
is disposed to the peripheral portion of the approximate center of
the timepiece main body. The position of the center of rotation of
an indicator wheel, to which the indicator hands of the time
information display units are attached, is disposed to the
peripheral portion of the approximate center of the timepiece main
body. The position of the center of rotation of an indicator wheel,
to which the indicator hands of the ordinary time display unit are
attached, and the position of the center of rotation of an
indicator wheel, to which the indicator hands of the time
information display units are attached, are disposed to the
peripheral portion of the approximate center of the timepiece main
body.
Since the indicator wheels, to which the indicator hands of the
ordinary time display unit and the time information display units
are attached, are disposed to the peripheral portion of the
approximate center of the timepiece main body, the reset to zero
mechanism can be arranged compact in its entirety by disposing the
actuation cam at the approximate center of the timepiece main body,
whereby the position of a button and layout can be optionally set
by reducing the size of the timepiece main body.
Additionally, the actuation cam actuates a plurality of the reset
to zero levers.
Since the plurality of reset to zero levers can be operated by the
single actuation can by providing the levers with the same length,
the respective reset to zero levers can be designed so that they
have the same torque and the same timing, whereby an accuracy can
be more increased.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a
timepiece comprises a power generating unit for converting
mechanical energy into electric energy and generating a drive
voltage for driving the ordinary time display unit and the time
information display unit.
Since the drive voltage is supplied from the power generating unit,
a power supply cell can be made unnecessary.
Additionally, the power generating unit comprises a power
generating rotor and a power generating coil.
The power generating rotor is rotated and a drive voltage is
generated to the power generating coil by electromagnetic
induction.
Specifically, the power generating rotor is rotated by an
oscillating weight.
Since the power generating rotor is rotated by the oscillating
weight, the drive voltage of the motors can be automatically
stored.
According to a feature of the present invention time information
other than the ordinary time is a chronograph.
Since the display units of time information other than an ordinary
time are used for the chronograph, an arbitrary time can be
measured while displaying the ordinary time.
Additionally, time information other than the ordinary time has a
display means for at least two kinds of times units.
For example, time units, 1/10 second and 12 hours can be displayed
in addition to the ordinary time.
According to one aspect of the present invention the display means
for at least two kinds of the times units has train wheels.
Since the display means for at least two kinds of the times units
are operated by the train wheels, they can be smoothly
operated.
According to one embodiment of the present invention the timepiece
can be arranged as, for example, a chronograph of small size in
which a cell and the like need not be replaced.
Additionally, the timepiece can be arranged as, for example, a
quartz type small chronograph which has a mechanical reset to zero
mechanism and in which a cell and the like need not be
replaced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings, wherein like reference symbols refer to like
parts:
FIG. 1 is a view showing a display surface of a multi-function
electronic watch according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 2 is a view showing a movement mainly illustrating the train
wheels of respective display units shown in FIG. 1, drive units and
the like.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing how an ordinary
time train wheel is engaged with an ordinary time motor.
FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing how a 1/10 second display
train wheel of a chronograph train wheel is engaged.
FIG. 5 is a side sectional view showing how a second display train
wheel of the chronograph train wheel is engaged.
FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing how an hour and minute
display train wheel of the chronograph train wheel is engaged.
FIG. 7 is a view showing a state of the circuit board and the like
of the multi-function electronic watch.
FIG. 8 shows the display surface of an electronic watch as a
conventional multi-function timepiece.
FIG. 9 is a view showing the train wheels and the like of an
ordinary second time small second hand, an ordinary time hour hand,
an ordinary minute time minute hand, a chronograph 1/5 second CG
hand, and a chronograph minute CG hand.
FIG. 10 is a side sectional view showing how the train wheels of
the ordinary time hour hand, the ordinary minute time minute hand,
and the chronograph 1/5 second CG hand of FIG. 9 are engaged.
FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram showing the arrangement of an
embodiment of a timepiece of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a view showing the arrangement of a detailed example of
the interior of the main body of the timepiece shown in FIG.
11.
FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the respective display units
constituting the first layer of the timepiece shown in FIGS. 11 and
12 when they are viewed from the surface side of the timepiece.
FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the movement constituting the first
layer of the timepiece shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 excluding a circuit
board when it is viewed from the backside of the timepiece.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing how an ordinary time train
wheel in the movement shown in FIG. 14 is engaged.
FIG. 16 is a side sectional view showing how a chronograph 1/10
second display train wheel in the movement shown in FIG. 14 is
engaged.
FIG. 17 is a side sectional view showing how a chronograph 1 second
display train wheel in the movement shown in FIG. 14 is
engaged.
FIG. 18 is a side sectional view showing how a chronograph hour and
minute display train wheel in the movement shown in FIG. 14 is
engaged.
FIG. 19 is a plan view showing the circuit board constituting the
first layer of the timepiece shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 when it is
viewed from the backside of the timepiece.
FIG. 20 is a plan view showing a first intermediate receiving
plate, a second intermediate receiving plate, and a third
intermediate receiving plate which divide the first layer of the
timepiece shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 from a second layer.
FIG. 21 is a plan view showing a power generating unit (power
generating mechanism) and a reset to zero mechanism which
constitute the second layer of the timepiece shown in FIGS. 11 and
12 excluding an oscillating weight when they are viewed from the
backside of the timepiece.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an example of the power generating
unit shown in FIG. 21.
FIG. 23 is a plan view showing the oscillating weight constituting
the second layer of the timepiece shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 when it
is viewed from the backside of the timepiece.
FIG. 24 is a side sectional view of the periphery of the power
generating unit shown in FIG. 21.
FIG. 25 is a side sectional view showing an example of the
schematic arrangement of the main portion of the reset to zero
mechanism shown in FIG. 21.
FIG. 26 is a first plan view showing an example of the operation of
a start/stop actuating mechanism of the reset to zero mechanism
shown in FIG. 21.
FIG. 27 is a second plan view showing an example of the operation
of the start/stop actuating mechanism of the reset to zero
mechanism shown in FIG. 21.
FIG. 28 is a third plan view showing an example of the operation of
the start/stop actuating mechanism of the reset to zero mechanism
shown in FIG. 21.
FIG. 29 is a first plan view showing an example of the operation of
the safety mechanism of the reset to zero mechanism shown in FIG.
21.
FIG. 30 is a second perspective view showing an example of the
operation of the safety mechanism of the reset to zero mechanism
shown in FIG. 21.
FIG. 31 is a third perspective view showing an example of the
operation of the safety mechanism of the reset to zero mechanism
shown in FIG. 21.
FIG. 32 is a fourth perspective view showing an example of the
operation of the safety mechanism of the reset to zero mechanism
shown in FIG. 21.
FIG. 33 is a first plan view showing an example of the operation of
the main mechanism of the reset actuating mechanism of the reset to
zero mechanism shown in FIG. 21.
FIG. 34 is a second plan view showing an example of the operation
of the main mechanism of the reset actuating mechanism of the reset
to zero mechanism shown in FIG. 21.
FIG. 35 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the
arrangement of a control circuit used in the timepiece of FIG.
11.
FIG. 36 is a plan view showing an embodiment of the timepiece of
the present invention when it is viewed from a front side.
FIG. 37 is a plan view showing the movement of the timepiece shown
in FIG. 36 when it is viewed from the backside of the
timepiece.
FIG. 38 is a plan view showing a circuit board disposed on the
movement shown in FIG. 37 when it is viewed from the backside of
the timepiece.
FIG. 39 is a plan view showing a first intermediate receiving
plate, a second intermediate receiving plate, and a third
intermediate receiving plate which are disposed on the circuit
board shown in FIG. 38 when they are viewed from the backside of
the timepiece.
FIG. 40 is a plan view of a power generating unit (power generating
mechanism excluding an oscillating weight), which is disposed on
the second intermediate receiving plate shown in FIG. 39, converts
mechanical energy into electric energy, and generates a voltage for
driving an ordinary time measuring section and a time information
measuring section, and a reset to zero mechanism, which is disposed
on the third intermediate receiving plate shown in FIG. 39 and
resets the measurement of time information other than an ordinary
time to zero when they are viewed from the backside of the
timepiece.
FIG. 41 is a plan view showing the oscillating weight of the power
generating unit disposed on the power generating mechanism of FIG.
40 when it is viewed from the backside of the timepiece.
FIG. 42 is a side sectional view showing an example of the
schematic arrangement of the main portion of the reset to zero
mechanism of FIG. 40.
FIG. 43 is a first plan view showing an example of the operation of
the start/stop actuating mechanism of the reset to zero mechanism
of FIG. 42.
FIG. 44 is a second plan view showing an example of the operation
of the start/stop actuating mechanism of the reset to zero
mechanism of FIG. 42.
FIG. 45 is a third plan view showing an example of the operation of
the start/stop actuating mechanism of the reset to zero mechanism
of FIG. 42.
FIG. 46 is a first perspective view showing an example of the
operation of the safety mechanism of the reset to zero mechanism of
FIG. 42.
FIG. 47 is a second perspective view showing an example of the
operation of the safety mechanism of the reset to zero mechanism of
FIG. 42.
FIG. 48 is a third perspective view showing an example of the
operation of the safety mechanism of the reset to zero mechanism of
FIG. 42.
FIG. 49 is a fourth perspective view showing an example of the
operation of the safety mechanism of the reset to zero mechanism of
FIG. 42.
FIG. 50 is a first plan view showing an example of the operation of
the main mechanism of the reset actuating mechanism of the reset to
zero mechanism of FIG. 42.
FIG. 51 is a second plan view showing an example of the operation
of the main mechanism of the reset actuating mechanism of the reset
to zero mechanism of FIG. 42.
FIG. 52 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the
arrangement of a control circuit used in the timepiece of FIG.
36.
FIG. 53 is a plan view showing an example of the reset to zero
mechanism of a conventional timepiece.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Preferable embodiments of the present invention will be described
below in detail based on drawings.
FIG. 1 is a view showing the display surface of a timepiece
according to an embodiment of the present invention, for example,
the display surface of a multi-function electronic watch 1000.
In FIG. 1, a dial 1002 and a transparent glass 1003 are fitted in
the outer case 1001 of the multi-function electronic watch
1000.
A crown 1101 as the external actuating member of a watch correcting
unit is disposed to a portion corresponding to the position of an
approximate 4 o'clock of the outer case 1001, and a chronograph
start/stop button 1201 and a chronograph reset button 1202 are
disposed at the position of an approximate 2 o'clock and at the
position of an approximate 10 o'clock position, respectively.
Further, the ordinary time display unit 1110 of an ordinary time
measuring section is disposed to a portion corresponding to the
position of an approximate 6 o'clock which is located on an outer
peripheral portion spaced apart from the approximate center of the
dial 1002 by an arbitrary distance. The ordinary time display unit
1110 includes an hour hand 1111, a minute hand 1112, and a second
hand 1113 which are ordinary time indicating hands.
Further, display units including auxiliary hands as chronograph
display units are disposed to portions corresponding to the
position of an approximate 3 o'clock, the position of an
approximate 12 o'clock, and the position of an approximate 9
o'clock which are located on an outer peripheral portion spaced
apart from the approximate center of the dial 1002 by an arbitrary
distance. That is, a 12 hours display unit 1210 is located at the
position of the approximate 3 o'clock of the dial 1002, and an hour
chronograph hand 1211 and a minute chronograph hand 1212 are
separately disposed on the 12 hours display unit 1210.
Further, a 60 seconds display unit 1220 is located at the position
of the approximate 12 o'clock of the dial 1002 and includes a one
second chronograph hand 1221. Further, a one second display unit
1230 is located at the position of the approximate 9 o'clock of the
dial 1002 and includes a 1/10 second chronograph hand 1231.
FIG. 2 is a view showing a movement in which mainly shown are the
train wheels, the drive units and the like of the ordinary time
display unit 1110, the 12 hours display unit 1210, the 60 seconds
display unit 1220 and the one second display unit 1230 as the
respective display units shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, an
ordinary time train wheel 1100G and an ordinary time motor 1300 as
a ordinary time drive unit are disposed to portions corresponding
to the positions in the approximate 6 o'clock direction of the dial
1002 on the main plate 1701 of the movement 1700.
A switching unit 1100C is disposed to a portion corresponding to
the position of an approximate 4 o'clock of the dial 1002 in the
vicinity of the ordinary time train wheel 1100G and the ordinary
time motor 1300.
An IC 1702 as an electric signal output unit having a control
circuit 1800 is disposed to a portion corresponding to the position
of an approximate 8 o'clock of the dial 1002 in the vicinity of the
ordinary time train wheel 1100G and the ordinary time motor 1300. A
tonometer type quartz resonator 1703 and the like are disposed in
the vicinity of the IC 1702.
On the other hand, a chronograph train wheel 1200G and a
chronograph motor 1400 as a chronograph drive unit are disposed to
portions corresponding to the position of the approximate 12
o'clock of the dial 1002 and in the direction in the vicinity of
the position. Further, a power supply 1500 is disposed in the
vicinity of the chronograph train wheel 1200G.
As shown in FIG. 2, the ordinary time train wheel 1100G includes a
fifth wheel 1121, a second wheel 1122, a third wheel 1123, a center
wheel 1124, a minute wheel 1125, an hour wheel 1126 and the like,
and an ordinary time second, minute and hour are displayed by the
train wheels of them.
The ordinary time motor 1300 and the chronograph motor 1400 are
step motors and composed of coil blocks 1302 and 1402 having
magnetic cores composed of a highly permeable material, rotors 1304
and 1404 composed of rotor magnets and rotor pinions, and the
like.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing how the train
wheel of the ordinary time train wheel 1100G is engaged with the
ordinary time motor 1300.
In the figure, a rotor pinion 1304 which constitutes the rotor 1304
is meshed with a fifth wheel gear 1121a and a fifth wheel pinion
1121b is meshed with a second wheel gear 1122a. Since a speed
reduction ratio from the rotor pinion 1304a to the second wheel
gear 1122a is set to 1/30, an electric signal is output from the IC
1702 so that the rotor 1304 is rotated one-half turn in a second.
With this operation, the second wheel 1122 is rotated one turn in
60 seconds, whereby an ordinary time second can be displayed by the
second hand 1113 fitted to the extreme end of the second wheel
1122. Next, a second wheel pinion 1122b is meshed with a third
wheel gear 1123a and a third wheel pinion 1123b is meshed with a
center wheel gear 1124a. Since a speed reduction ratio from the
second wheel pinion 1122b to the center wheel gear 1124a is set to
1/60, the center wheel 1124 is rotated one turn in 60 minutes,
whereby an ordinary time minute can be displayed by the minute hand
1112 fitted to the extreme end of the center wheel 1124.
Further, a center wheel pinion 1124b is meshed with a minute wheel
gear 1125a and a minute wheel pinion 1125b is meshed with the hour
wheel 1126. Since a speed reduction ratio from the center wheel
pinion 1124b to the hour wheel 1126 is set to 1/12, the hour wheel
1126 is rotated one turn in 12 hours, whereby an ordinary time hour
can be displayed by the hour hand 1111 fitted to the extreme end of
the hour wheel 1126.
How the multi-function electronic watch 1000 arranged as described
above is used will be described. First, when a user desires to
visually confirm an ordinary time, he or she confirms it by looking
at the hour hand 1111, the minute hand 1112, and the second hand
1113 of the ordinary time display unit 1110 on the dial 1002. At
the time, since the ordinary time display unit 1110 is disposed
separately from the respective chronograph display units 1210,
1220, and 1230 as shown in FIG. 1, the user can visually confirm
the ordinary time in a state in which his or her field of view is
not disturbed by the chronograph indicating hands, and the
like.
Further, when the user intends to use the chronograph function of
the multi-function electronic watch 1000, he or she uses it by
pressing the chronograph start/stop button 1201 and the chronograph
reset button 1202. The user can obtain the result of the operation
by visually confirming the respective hands of the chronograph 12
hours display unit 1210, 60 seconds display unit 1220 and one
second display unit 1230.
The user can confirm the result in the state that his or her field
of view is not disturbed by the hands of the ordinary time display
unit.
As described above, in the embodiment, the ordinary time display
unit 1110, the ordinary time train wheel 1100G and the ordinary
time motor 1300 can be collectively disposed to the portion
corresponding to the approximate 6 o'clock position of the dial
1002 and in the vicinity of it.
Therefore, the ordinary time motor 1300 can be located near to the
ordinary time display unit 1110. Whereas, when the ordinary time
motor 1300 is not located near to the ordinary time display unit
1110 and the distance therebetween is increased, the number of
intermediate wheels from the rotor 1304 to the second wheel 1122
must be increased or the diameters of the gear wheels of the rotor
1304, the fifth wheel 1121, and the second wheel 1122 must be
increased. A large space is required by this arrangement in any
case.
Thus, the disposition of these components in the embodiment can
make the ordinary time train wheel 1100G most effectively
operative, and the space of the multi-function electronic watch
1000 can be saved as the most remarkable effect of the
disposition.
Note that since the IC 1702 having the control circuit 1800 is
disposed to the portion corresponding to the position of the
approximate 8 o'clock of the dial 1002 as described above, the IC
1702 is prevented from overlapping the ordinary time train wheel
1100G and the other components of the multi-function electronic
watch 1000 such as the chronograph train wheel 1200G to be
described later, and the like, whereby the thickness of the
movement 1700 can be reduced.
Since the IC 1702 is prevented from overlapping the ordinary time
train wheel 1100G and the chronograph train wheel 1200G as
described above, it is not abutted against other parts even if an
external disturbance such as a shock is applied thereto. As a
result, the IC 1702 itself can be structurally protected.
Incidentally, as described above, the switching unit 1100C as the
time correcting unit is disposed to the portion corresponding to
the position of the approximate 4 o'clock of the dial 1002 in the
vicinity of the ordinary time display unit 1110, the ordinary time
train wheel 1100G and the ordinary time motor 1300.
The switching unit 1100C includes the crown 1101, which is shown in
FIG. 1, at an end thereof, and includes a winding stem 1128 having
a sliding pinion 1127 fitted thereto, a setting wheel 1129, a
setting lever 1131, a setting lever spring 1132, a yoke 1133, and a
train wheel setting lever 1130, which are shown in FIG. 2, at the
other end thereof.
The winding stem 1128 is a member for correcting a time and the
like externally and set to three states by being pulled out through
the crown 1101, that is, a state in which it is pushed most
inwardly (zeroth stage), a state in which it is pulled out one
stage (first stage), and a state in which it is pulled out two
stages (second stage).
The zeroth stage is in such a state that the ordinary hands are
driven on the ordinary time display unit 1110, the first stage is
in such a state that the ordinary hands are driven on the ordinary
time display unit 1110 similarly to the zeroth state and a calendar
can be corrected, and the second stage is in such a state that the
hands are not driven on the ordinary time display unit 1110 and a
time can be corrected.
The winding stem 1128 is a long cylindrical rod having a cut-out
formed at a portion thereof, and the extreme end of the setting
lever 1131 is engaged with the cut-out. When the winding stem 1128
is pulled out, the setting lever 1131 is rotated counterclockwise
about a setting lever rotating shaft 1131a. A click pin 1131b is
disposed to a portion of the setting lever 1131, and the
click-shaped portion 1132a of the setting lever spring 1132 is
engaged with the click pin 1131b. When the setting lever 1131 is
rotated, click force is generated by the click-shaped portion 1132a
as well as positioning of the zeroth, first and second stages is
carried out.
The setting lever 1131 is provided with another operation pin 1131c
in confrontation with the click pin 1131b and the setting lever
rotating shaft 1131a. A yoke 1133 and yoke slot 1133a, which is
disposed in the shape of a train wheel setting lever 1130, and a
train wheel setting lever slot 1130a are engaged with the operation
pin 1131c. Further, the sliding pinion 1127 is guided by the
winding stem 1128 through the center hole thereof and can be
rotated together with the rotation of the winding stem 1128.
The yoke 1133 can be rotated about a yoke rotating shaft 1133b.
Further, the extreme end of the yoke 1133 is engaged with a cut-out
formed on the sliding pinion 1127. The yoke 1133 moves the sliding
pinion 1127 forward and backward, thereby creating a calendar
correcting state and a time correcting state.
The yoke 1133 has a spring portion and always applies force in the
direction of the setting lever rotating shaft 1131a of the setting
lever 1131. When the setting lever 1131 is rotated, the operation
pin 1131c of the setting lever 1131 is also rotated thereby. Thus,
the extreme end of the yoke 1133 moves the sliding pinion 1127
toward the outside in the first stage and toward the center in the
second stage through the yoke slot 1133a which is engaged with the
operation pin 1131c.
In the first stage, a wheel gear provided with the sliding pinion
1127 is meshed with a backside calendar part to thereby permit a
calendar to be corrected. In the second stage, the wheel gear
disposed at the extreme end of the sliding pinion 1127 is meshed
with the setting wheel 1129 to thereby permit a time to be
corrected.
Further, the train wheel setting lever 1130 sets the second wheel
1122 when the time is corrected as well as stops hand operating
pulses by inputting a reset signal. Likewise the yoke 1133, the
train wheel setting lever 1130 is rotated by the rotation of the
operation pin 1131c of the setting lever 1131 about the setting
lever rotating shaft 1131a along the train wheel setting lever slot
1130a with which it is engaged, thereby setting the second wheel
1122 as well as coming into contact with a reset pattern.
Since it is sufficient that the action of the train wheel setting
lever 1130 is applied only in the second stage, the shape of the
train wheel setting lever slot 1130a escapes the rotational locus
of the operation pin 1131c of the setting lever 1131 from the
zeroth stage to the first stage as it is.
Since the switching unit 1100C is collectively disposed to the
portion corresponding to the position of the approximate 4 o'clock
of the dial 1002, it does not overlap the ordinary time display
unit 1110, the ordinary time train wheel 1100G, the ordinary time
motor 1300 and the like.
Further, the portion corresponding to position of the approximate 4
o'clock of the dial 1002 is very near to the portion corresponding
to the position of the approximate 6 o'clock of the dial 1002 where
the ordinary time display section 1110, the ordinary time train
wheel 1100G, the ordinary time motor 1300 and the like are
disposed, the number of the parts of the switching unit 1100 such
as a train wheel and the like can be reduced.
Further, the collective disposition of the crown 1101 of the
switching unit 1100C to the portion corresponding to the position
of the approximate 4 o'clock of the dial 1002 is effective from the
view point of the manipulation performed by the user.
An operation for correcting a time and the like which is carried
out using the switching unit 1100C arranged as described above will
be described below.
First, the winding stem 1128 is pulled out to the second stage by
pulling the crown 1101, a reset signal input unit 1130b disposed to
the train wheel setting lever 1130 comes into contact with the
pattern of a circuit board 1704 on which the IC 1702 is mounted,
thereby stopping the output of motor pulses so as to stop driving
the hands. At the time, the rotation of the second wheel gear 1122a
is set by the second setting unit 1130a disposed to the train wheel
setting lever 1130. When the winding stem 1128 is rotated together
with the crown 1101 in this state, rotational force is transmitted
from the sliding pinion 1127 to the minute wheel 1125 through the
setting wheel 1129 and a minute intermediate wheel 1131d. Since the
center wheel gear 1124a is coupled with the center wheel pinion
1124b with predetermined sliding torque, the setting wheel 1129,
the minute intermediate wheel 1131d, the minute wheel 1125, the
center wheel pinion 1124b, and the hour wheel 1126 are rotated even
if the second wheel 1122 is set. Therefore, an arbitrary time can
be set because the minute hand 1112 and the hour hand 1111 are
rotated.
Next, the train wheels and the like of the 12 hours display unit
1210, the 60 seconds display unit 1220, and the one second display
unit 1230 as the chronograph display units shown in FIG. 1 will be
described.
In FIG. 2, the chronograph train wheel 1200G includes the train
wheels of a 1/10 second CG (chronograph) intermediate wheel 1231d,
a 1/10 second CG wheel 1232 which is disposed at the center
position of the one second display unit 1230.
With the arrangement of the train wheels, chronograph 1/10 second
is displayed at the portion corresponding to the position of the
approximate 9 o'clock of the dial 10002.
Further, in FIG. 2, the chronograph train wheel 1200G includes the
train wheels of a one second CG first intermediate wheel 1221d, a
one second CG second intermediate wheel 1222d, and a one second CG
wheel 1223 which is disposed at the center position of the 60
seconds display unit 1220. With the arrangement of the train
wheels, a chronograph second is displayed at the portion
corresponding to the position of the approximate 12 o'clock of the
dial 10002.
Further, in FIG. 2, the chronograph train wheel 1200G includes the
train wheels of a minute CG first intermediate wheel 1211d, a
minute CG second intermediate wheel 1212d, a minute CG third
intermediate wheel 1213d, a minute CG fourth intermediate wheel
1214d, an hour CG intermediate wheel 1215d, a minute CG wheel 1216,
and an hour CG wheel 1217. The minute CG wheel 1216 and the hour CG
wheel 1217 are concentrically disposed at the center position of
the 12 hours display unit 1210. With the arrangement of the train
wheels, a chronograph hour and minute are displayed at a portion
corresponding to the position of the approximate 3 o'clock of the
dial 1002. FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing how a 1/10
second display train wheel of the chronograph train wheel 1200G is
engaged.
A rotor pinion 1404a is meshed with a 1/10 second CG intermediate
wheel gear 1231a which is meshed with a 1/10 second CG wheel gear
1232a. Since a speed reduction ratio from the rotor pinion 1404a to
the 1/10 second CG wheel gear 1232a is set to 1/5, the IC 1702
outputs an electric signal so that the rotor 1404 is rotated
one-half turn in 1/10 second. Thus, the 1/10 second CG wheel 1232
is rotated one turn in a second, and chronograph 1/10 second can be
displayed by the 1/10 second chronograph hand 1231 fitted to the
extreme end of the 1/10 second CG wheel 1232.
FIG. 5 is a side sectional view showing how a one second display
train wheel of the chronograph train wheel 1200G is engaged.
The 1/10 second CG intermediate wheel gear 1231a is meshed with a
one second CG first intermediate wheel gear 1221a, and a one second
CG first intermediate wheel pinion 1221b is meshed with a one
second CG second intermediate wheel gear 1222a. Further, a one
second CG second intermediate wheel pinion 1222b is meshed with a
one second CG gear wheel 1223a. The 1/10 second CG intermediate
wheel gear 1231a is meshed with the rotor pinion 1404a as described
above, and a speed reduction ratio from the rotor pinion 1404a to
the one second CG gear wheel 1223a is set to 1/300. Therefore, the
one second CG wheel 1223 is rotated one turn in 60 seconds, and a
chronograph one second can be displayed by the one second
chronograph hand 1221 fitted to the extreme end of the one second
CG wheel 1223.
FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing how an hour and minute
display train wheel of the chronograph train wheel 1200G is
engaged.
The one second CG second intermediate wheel gear 1222a is meshed
with a minute CG first intermediate wheel gear 1211a which is
meshed with a minute CG second intermediate wheel gear 1212a.
Further, a minute CG second intermediate wheel pinion 1212b is
meshed with a minute CG third intermediate wheel gear 1213a, and a
minute CG third intermediate wheel pinion 1213b is meshed with a
minute CG fourth intermediate wheel gear 1214a. Further, a minute
CG fourth intermediate wheel pinion 1214b is meshed with a minute
CG wheel 1216a.
In addition, a minute CG wheel pinion 1216b is meshed with an hour
CG intermediate wheel gear 1215a, and an hour CG intermediate wheel
pinion 1215b is meshed with an hour CG wheel gear 1217a. Note that,
in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, since a speed reduction ratio from the rotor
1404 to the minute CG wheel gear 1216a is set to 1/18000, the
minute CG wheel 1216 is rotated one turn in 60 minutes and a
chronograph minute can be displayed by the minute chronograph hand
1212 fitted to the extreme end of the minute CG wheel 1216.
Further, since a speed reduction ratio from the minute CG wheel
pinion 1216b to the hour CG wheel gear 1217a is set to 1/12, the
hour CG wheel 1217 is rotated one turn in 12 hours, and a
chronograph hour can be displayed by the hour chronograph hand 1211
fitted to the extreme end of the hour CG wheel 1217.
As described above, the one second display unit 1230, the 60
seconds display unit 1220, the hour chronograph 1211 and the minute
chronograph 1212 are disposed to the portions corresponding to the
positions of the approximate 10 o'clock, the approximate 12 o'clock
and the approximate 2 o'clock of the dial 1002, respectively. Then,
the train wheels and the like are disposed in the vicinity of them
in correspondence to them. Further, as described above, the
chronograph motor 1400 as the chronograph drive unit is disposed to
the portion corresponding to the position of the approximate 9
o'clock to the position of the approximate 12 o'clock of the dial
1002 which are located in the vicinity of the train wheels and the
like. Since the chronograph motor 1400 operates the one second
display unit 1230, the 60 seconds display unit 1220, and the train
wheels of the hour chronograph 1211 and the minute chronograph
1212, when the chronograph motor 1400 is disposed to the portion
corresponding to the position of the approximate 9 to the position
of the approximate 12 o'clock, the drive force of the motor can be
transmitted in the following sequence.
That is, the drive force is transmitted from the one second display
unit 1230 to the 60 seconds display unit 1220, and then transmitted
to the hour chronograph hand 1211 through the minute chronograph
hand 1212. At the time, if the chronograph motor 1400 is disposed
to other position, the distance from the one second display unit
1230 to the hour chronograph 1211 is increased, whereby the number
of train wheels arranged in the intermediate portion therebetween
is increased or the diameters of the wheel gears are increased.
Accordingly, the embodiment can minimize the number of the train
wheels as well as optimize gear diameters, whereby a remarkable
effect of saving the space of the multi-function electronic watch
1000 can be achieved.
Next, the circuit board 1704 of the multi-function electronic watch
1000 will be described.
The circuit board 1704 shown in FIG. 7 is, for example, a flexible
print board and disposed on the movement 1700 shown in FIG. 2. The
IC 1702, the tonometer type quartz resonator 1703 and the like are
mounted on the circuit board 1704. Then, drive pulses of an
ordinary time and a chronograph are generated by the IC 1702 and
transmitted to the coil blocks 1302 and 1402 of the respective
motors 1300 and 1400 connected to a not shown copper foil
pattern.
As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply 1500 is disposed to a portion
corresponding to the position of the approximate 1 hour to the
position of the approximate 12 o'clock of the dial 1002. The
positive terminal of the power supply 1500 is connected to the
circuit board 1704 in such a manner that the extreme end spring
portion of a positive terminal 1502, which is guided by a pin 1501
fitted into the main plate 1701 composed of a metal, comes into
contact with the side of the button type secondary power supply
1500 with predetermined spring force, a positive lead plate 1503
comes into contact with the extreme end of the pin 1501, and
further extreme end spring portion of the positive lead plate 1503
comes into contact with the positive pattern of the circuit board
1704 with predetermined spring force.
Therefore, the positive voltage is supplied through the power
supply 1500.fwdarw.the positive terminal 1502.fwdarw.the main plate
1701.fwdarw.the pin 1501.fwdarw.the positive lead plate
1503.fwdarw.the positive pattern of the circuit board
1704.fwdarw.the IC 1702. Further, the negative voltage of the power
supply 1500 is connected to the circuit board 1704 in such a manner
that a spring portion, which is disposed to the outer periphery of
a negative terminal 1504 welded and conducted to the end surface of
the power supply 1500, comes into contact with the negative pattern
of the circuit board 1704 with predetermined spring force.
Therefore, the negative voltage is supplied through the power
supply 1500.fwdarw.the negative terminal 1504.fwdarw.the negative
pattern of the circuit board 1704.fwdarw.the IC 1702.
As described above, the power supply 1500 is disposed to the
portion corresponding to the position of the approximate 1 o'clock
to the position of the approximate 12 o'clock of the dial 1002. In
contrast, the ordinary time motor 1300 is mounted to the portion
corresponding to the position of the approximate 6 of the dial
1002, and the chronograph motor 1400 is mounted to the portion
corresponding to the position of the approximate 9 to the position
of the 12 o'clock of the dial 1002. Further, the IC 1702 is
disposed to the portion corresponding to the position of the
approximate 8 o'clock of the dial 1002.
Therefore, the power supply 1500, which is a relatively heavy part
in the parts of the multi-function electronic watch 1000, is
disposed at a position spaced apart from the ordinary time motor
1300, the chronograph motor 1400 and the IC 1702 so that it does
not adversely affect them. Therefore, even if the multi-function
electronic watch 1000 is dropped, the other parts are prevented
from being directly affected by the weight of the power supply
1500, whereby the reliability of the electronic watch 1000 can be
enhanced. Further, the ordinary time motor 1300 is mounted to the
portion corresponding to the position of the approximate 6 position
of the dial 1002, and the chronograph motor 1400 is mounted to the
portion corresponding to the position of the approximate 9 to the
position of the approximate 12 o'clock of the dial 1002. Therefore,
the wiring distance from the IC 1702 mounted on the circuit board
1704 to the ordinary time motor 1300 and the chronograph motor 1400
cab be shortened, whereby the area of the circuit board 1704 and
the like can be reduced.
As described above, according to the embodiment, the thickness and
size of the multi-function electronic watch 1000 can be reduced as
well as the user can visually confirms the ordinary time display
1110 and the chronograph displays 1210, 1220, and 1230 in the state
that they do not overlap each other. As a result, there can be
provided the multi-function electronic watch 1000 having the dial
1002 which the user can visually confirm easily.
Note that while the power supply 1500 is shown as an ordinary cell
in the embodiment, a power generating unit may be mounted on the
multi-function electronic watch 1000. In this case, it is
contemplated that the arrangement of the above multi-function
electronic watch 1000 is disposed on a first layer and the power
generating unit and the like are disposed as a second layer.
Further, while the multi-function electronic watch 1000 having the
analog display type chronograph function has been described as the
embodiment, the present invention is not particularly limited
thereto and analog display type multi-function time measurement may
be applied to a timepiece.
As described above, according to the present invention, there can
be provided the timepiece whose thickness and size are reduced and
which can be visually confirmed by the user easily. Further,
according to the present invention, the user of the timepiece can
visually confirm the ordinary time display unit and the chronograph
display unit easily. Additionally, the thickness and the size of
the timepiece having the chronograph function can be reduced.
According to the present invention, since the plane size of the
portion of the parts, which constitute the ordinary time measuring
section and the time information measuring section, respectively,
can be reduced, the overall thickness and size of the timepiece can
be reduced as well.
According to the present invention, since the ordinary time display
unit and the chronograph display units are separately disposed to
the outer peripheral portion of the timepiece at arbitrary
distances from the approximate center of the timepiece, the parts
constituting the display units are not overlapped and the thickness
may be minimized.
According to the present invention, the user of the timepiece can
visually confirm the ordinary time display unit easily.
According to the present invention, the user of the timepiece can
instantly read the entire chronograph display unit.
According to the present invention, since the ordinary time motor
is disposed near the ordinary time display unit, the number of
components constituting the ordinary time train wheel can be
minimized and the diameters of the wheel gears thereof can be
reduced, such that the size of the timepiece can be reduced.
According to the present invention, since the chronograph motor is
disposed near the chronograph display unit, the number of
components constituting the chronograph train wheels can be
minimized and the diameters of the wheel gears thereof can be
reduced, such that the size of the timepiece can be reduced.
According to the overall present invention, since the chronograph
display unit can be driven by only one motor, the space in the
timepiece can be reduced, thereby reducing the overall cost of the
timepiece. Further, it is possible to accurately display the
chronograph.
According to the present invention, it is difficult for the power
supply to adversely affect the ordinary time motor, the ordinary
time train wheel, the chronograph motor, the chronograph train
wheels, and the like. Further, even if the timepiece is dropped,
the adverse affect of the weight of the power supply on the other
parts can be avoided, whereby the reliability of the timepiece is
enhanced. Even if the timepiece is subjected to an external
disturbance, parts such as the ordinary time motor and the like are
not adversely affected by the relatively heavy power supply unit,
that is, they are not subjected to breakage and the like.
Further, according to the present invention, the electric signal
output unit can be prevented from being broken by the external
disturbance such as a shock and the like, thereby enhancing the
reliability of the timepiece
According to the present invention, since the number of the parts
of the train wheel of the time correcting unit can be reduced, the
number of components can be minimized. Further, the time correcting
unit can be disposed at a portion where it is easy for the user to
manipulate.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, the timepiece can
be designed so that the space thereof can be effectively while the
number of the components of the time correcting unit can be
minimized.
A preferable embodiment of the present invention will be described
below .
FIG. 11 is a schematic block view showing the arrangement of an
embodiment of a timepiece of the present invention.
A timepiece 1000 shown in FIG. 11 is an analog electronic watch
having a chronograph function. As a characteristic portion of the
timepiece 1000, a timepiece main body 1000B is divided into a
plurality of layers (two layers in the figure) in a side
(thickness) direction. An ordinary time measuring section 1100 for
measuring an ordinary time and a time information measuring section
1200 for measuring time information other than the ordinary time
are disposed on a first layer. A reset to zero mechanism 1200R for
resetting the measurement of the time information other than the
ordinary time to zero and a power generating unit 1600 for
converting mechanical energy into electric energy and generating a
drive voltage for driving the ordinary time measuring section 1100
and the time information measuring section 1200 are disposed on a
second layer.
The division of the timepiece main body 1000B into the two layers
and the separate disposition of the respective components 1100,
1200, 1200R, and 1600 to the respective layers permit the size of
the timepiece 1000 to be reduced in the plane (lateral) direction
thereof.
Further, another characteristic portion of the timepiece 1000
resides in the structure of the periphery of the power generating
unit 1600, which will be described later (FIGS. 21 and 24).
FIG. 12 is a view showing the arrangement of a detailed example of
the interior of the timepiece main body 1000B of the timepiece 1000
shown in FIG. 11.
The ordinary time measuring section 1100 includes, as the
components thereof, an ordinary time display unit 1110 for
displaying an ordinary time by hands, a motor 1300 for driving the
hands of the ordinary time display unit 1110, an ordinary time
train wheel 1100G for transmitting the drive force of the motor
1300 to the hands of the ordinary time display unit 1110, and a
switching unit 1100C for switching the time and the calendar of the
ordinary time display unit 1110 to a correcting state. The time
information measuring section 1200 includes, as the components
thereof, a 12 hours display unit 1210 for displaying 12 hours with
a hand, a 60 seconds display unit 1220 for displaying 60 seconds
with a hand, a one second display unit 1230 for displaying one
second with a hand, a motor 1400 for driving the hands of the
respective display units 1210, 1220, and 1230, and a chronograph
train wheel 1200G for transmitting the drive force of the motor
1400 to the hands of the respective display units 1210, 1220, and
1230. The ordinary time measuring section 1100 and the time
information measuring section 1200 include a secondary power supply
1500 for supplying electric power for driving the respective motors
1300 and 1400 and a control circuit 1800 for controlling them in
their entirety as components common to them. The power generating
unit 1600 includes, an oscillating weight 1605 for obtaining
mechanical energy and a power generating mechanism 1601 for
converting the mechanical energy into electric energy and storing
it in the secondary power supply 1500.
In the timepiece 1000, the motors 1300 and 1400 are individually
driven using the electric power generated by the power generating
unit 1600 so as to drive the hands of the ordinary time measuring
section 1100 and the time information measuring section 1200. Note
that the hands of the respective display units 1210, 1220 and 1230
are mechanically reset to zero by the reset to zero mechanism 1200R
without being driven by a motor as described later.
How the above components are disposed will be described with
reference to FIG. 12.
In FIG. 12, the first layer is partitioned from the second layer by
a first intermediate receiving plate 2001, a second intermediate
receiving plate 2002 and a third intermediate receiving plate 2003
which are disposed in a plane (lateral) direction. A main plate
1701 is disposed on the first layer by being spaced apart from the
respective receiving plates 2001, 2002, and 2003, and an upper
receiving plate 2010 is disposed on the second layer by being
spaced apart from the respective intermediate receiving plates
2001, 2002, and 2003.
First, the first layer side will be described. A so-called movement
1700 is interposed between the respective intermediate receiving
plate 2001, 2002, and 2003 and the main plate 1701. That is, the
ordinary time train wheel 1100G is interposed between the first
intermediate receiving plate 2001 and the main plate 1701, the
switching unit 1100C, the motor 1300 and the control circuit 1800
are interposed between the second intermediate receiving plate 2002
and the main plate 1701, and the secondary power supply 1500, the
motor 1400 and the chronograph train wheel 1200G are interposed
between the third intermediate receiving plate 2003 and the main
plate 1701. Then, a circuit board 1704 is disposed on the motor
1300, the control circuit 1800, the secondary power supply 1500 and
the motor 1400. Further, the ordinary time display unit 1110 is
disposed on the main plate 1701 and the respective display units
1210, 1220 and 1230 are disposed on a dial 1002 shown in FIG.
13.
Next, the second layer side will be described. The power generating
mechanism 1601 is interposed between the second intermediate
receiving plate 2002 and the upper receiving plate 2010, and the
reset to zero mechanism 1200R is interposed between the third
intermediate receiving plate 2003 and the upper receiving plate
2010. Then, an oscillating weight 1605 is disposed on the upper
receiving plate 2010.
A specific example of the respective components of the first layer
and the second layer of the timepiece 1000 arranged as described
above will be described below.
First, the first layer will be described with reference to FIG. 13
to FIG. 20.
FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the respective display units 1110,
1210, 1220, and 1230 constituting the first layer of the timepiece
1000 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 when they are viewed from the surface
side of the timepiece 1000.
In FIG. 13, the timepiece 1000 is arranged such that the dial 1002
is assembled to the movement 1700 and a transparent glass 1003 is
fitted in the interior of an outer case 1001. A crown 1101 as an
external manipulating member is disposed at the 4 o'clock position
of the outside case 1001, and a chronograph start/stop button 1201
and a chronograph reset button 1202 are disposed at the positions
of approximately 2 o'clock and approximately 10 o'clock. Further,
the ordinary time display unit 1110 including hour hand 1111, a
minute hand 1112, and a second hand 1113 which are ordinary time
hands is disposed at the position of approximately 6 o'clock of the
dial 1002, and the display units 1210, 1220, and 1230 having
chronograph auxiliary hands are disposed at the positions of
approximately 3 o'clock, 12 o'clock and 9 o'clock respectively.
That is, the 12 hours display unit 1210 having hour and minute
chronograph hands 1211 and 1212 are disposed at the position of
approximately 3 o'clock, the 60 seconds display unit 1220 having a
one second chronograph hand 1221 is disposed at the position of
approximately 12 o'clock, and the one second display unit 1230
having a 1/10 chronograph hand 1231 is disposed at the position of
approximately 9 o'clock.
FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the movement 1700 constituting the
first layer of the timepiece 1000 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12
excluding the circuit board 1704 constituting the first layer when
it is viewed from the backside of the timepiece.
In the movement 1700 shown in FIG. 14, the ordinary time train
wheel 1100G, the motor 1300, the switching unit 1100C and an IC
1702 constituting the control circuit 1800, a tonometer type quartz
resonator 1703, a large capacity capacitor 1814 and the like are
disposed on the main plate 1701 about the 6 o'clock position and
the chronograph train wheel 1200G, the motor 1400 and the secondary
power supply 1500 such as a lithium ion power supply and the like
are disposed on the main plate 1701 about the 12 o'clock
position.
In FIG. 14, the ordinary time train wheel 1100G includes the train
wheel of a fifth wheel 1121, a second wheel 1122, a third wheel
1123, a center wheel 1124, a minute wheel 1125, and an hour wheel
1126. A second display, a minute display and an hour display of an
ordinary time are carried out by the train wheel.
In FIG. 14, the motors 1300 and 1400 are step motors and composed
of coil blocks 1302 and 1402 having magnetic cores composed of a
highly permeable material. Stators 1303 and 1403 are composed of a
highly permeable material. Rotors 1304 and 1404 are composed of
rotor magnets and rotor pinions, and the like. FIG. 15 is a
perspective view schematically showing how the train wheel of the
ordinary time train wheel 1100G is engaged with the motor 1300.
A rotor pinion 1304a which constitutes the rotor 1304 is meshed
with a fifth wheel gear 1121a and a fifth wheel pinion 1121b is
meshed with a second wheel gear 1122a. Since a speed reduction
ratio from the rotor pinion 1304a to the second wheel gear 1122a is
set to 1/30, an electric signal is output from the IC 1702 so that
the rotor 1304 to be rotated one-half turn in one second. With this
operation, the second wheel 1122 is rotated one turn in 60 seconds,
whereby an ordinary time second can be displayed by the second hand
1113 fitted to the extreme end of the second wheel 1122.
Further, a second wheel pinion 1122b is meshed with a third wheel
gear 1123a and a third wheel pinion 1123b is meshed with a center
wheel gear 1124a. Since a speed reduction ratio from the second
wheel pinion 1122b to the center wheel gear 1124a is set to 1/60,
the center wheel 1124 is rotated one turn in 60 minutes, whereby an
ordinary time minute can be displayed by the minute hand 1112
fitted to the extreme end of the center wheel 1124.
Further, a center wheel pinion 1124b is meshed with a minute wheel
gear 1125a which is meshed with the hour wheel 1126. Since a speed
reduction ratio from the center wheel pinion 1124b to the hour
wheel 1126 is set to 1/12, the hour wheel 1126 is rotated one turn
in 12 hours, whereby an ordinary time hour can be displayed by the
hour hand 1111 fitted to the extreme end of the hour wheel
1126.
In FIG. 14, the switching unit 1100C includes the crown 1101, which
is shown in FIG. 13 at an end thereof, and includes a winding stem
1128 to which a sliding pinion 1127 is fitted, a setting wheel
1129, a setting lever 1131, a setting lever spring 1132, a yoke
1133, and a train wheel setting lever 1130 at the other end
thereof.
The winding stem 1128 is a member for correcting a time and the
like externally and may be set to three states by pulling out the
crown 1101. A state in which it is pushed most inwardly (zeroth
stage), a state in which it is pulled out one stage (first stage),
and a state in which it is pulled out two stages (second stage). In
the zeroth stage the ordinary hands are driven on the ordinary time
display unit 1110. In the first stage the ordinary hands are driven
on the ordinary time display unit 1110 similarly to the zeroth
state and a calendar can be corrected. In the second stage the
hands are not driven on the ordinary time display unit 1110 and a
time can be corrected.
The winding stem 1128 is a long columnar rod having a cut-out
formed at a portion thereof, and the extreme end of the setting
lever 1131 is engaged with the cut-out. When the winding stem 1128
is pulled out, the setting lever 1131 is rotated counterclockwise
about a setting lever rotating shaft 1131a. A click pin 1131b is
disposed to a portion of the setting lever 1131, and the
click-shaped portion 1132a of the setting lever spring 1132 is
engaged with the click pin 1131b. When the setting lever 1131 is
rotated, click force is generated by the click-shaped portion 1132a
as well as positioning of the zeroth, first and second stages is
carried out.
The setting lever 1131 is provided with another operation pin 1131c
in confrontation with the click pin 1131b and the setting lever
rotating shaft 1131a. A yoke slot 1133a and a yoke slot 1130a,
which is disposed in the shape of the yoke 1133, and the train
wheel setting lever 1130, are engaged with the operation pin 1131c.
Further, the sliding pinion 1127 is guided by the winding stem 1128
through the center hole thereof and can be rotated together with
the rotation of the winding stem 1128.
The yoke 1133 can be rotated about a yoke rotating shaft 1133b.
Further, the extreme end of the yoke 1133 is engaged with a cut-out
formed on the sliding pinion 1127. The yoke 1133 moves the sliding
pinion 1127 forward and backward, thereby creating a calendar
correcting state and a time correcting state. The yoke 1133 has a
spring portion and always applies force in the direction of the
setting lever rotating shaft 1131a of the setting lever 1131. When
the setting lever 1131 is rotated, the operation pin 1131c of the
setting lever 1131 is also rotated thereby. Thus, the extreme end
of the yoke 1133 moves the sliding pinion 1127 toward the outside
in the first stage and toward the center in the second stage
through the yoke slot 1133a which is engaged with the operation pin
1131c. In the first stage, a wheel gear provided with the sliding
pinion 1127 is meshed with a backside calendar part to thereby
permit a calendar to be corrected. In the second stage, the wheel
gear disposed at the extreme end of the sliding pinion 1127 is
meshed with the setting wheel 1129 to thereby permit a time to be
corrected.
The train wheel setting lever 1130 sets the second wheel 1122 when
a time is corrected as well as stops hand operating pulses by
inputting a reset signal. Likewise the yoke 1133, the train wheel
setting lever 1130 is rotated by the rotation of the operation pin
1131c of the setting lever 1131 about a train wheel setting lever
rotating shaft 1130b along the train wheel setting lever slot 1130a
with which it is engaged, thereby setting the second wheel 1122 as
well as coming into contact with a reset pattern. Since it is
sufficient that the action of the train wheel setting lever 1130 is
applied only in the second stage, the shape of the train wheel
setting lever slot 1130a escapes the rotational locus of the
operation pin 1131c of the setting lever 1131 from the zeroth stage
to the first stage as it is.
With the above arrangement, the winding stem 1128 is pulled to the
second stage by pulling the crown 1101, a reset signal input
section 1130b disposed to the train wheel setting lever 1130 comes
into contact with the pattern of a circuit substrate 1704 on which
the IC 1702 is mounted, thereby stopping the output of motor pulses
so as to stop the operation of the hands. At the time, the rotation
of the fourth wheel gear 1122a is set by the train wheel setting
lever slot 1130a disposed to the train wheel setting lever 1130.
When the winding stem 1128 is rotated together with the crown 1101
in this state, rotational force is transmitted from the sliding
pinion 1127 to the minute wheel 1125 through the setting wheel 1129
and the minute wheel gear 1125a. Since the center wheel gear 1124a
is coupled with the center wheel pinion 1124b with predetermined
sliding torque, the setting wheel 1129, the minute wheel 1125, the
center wheel pinion 1124b, and the hour wheel 1126 are rotated even
if the second wheel 1122 is set. Therefore, an arbitrary time can
be set because the minute hand 1112 and the hour hand 1111 are
rotated.
In FIG. 14, the chronograph train wheel 1200G includes the train
wheels of a 1/10 second CG (chronograph) intermediate wheel 1231
and a 1/10 second CG wheel 1232 which is disposed at the center
position of the one second display unit 1230. With the above
arrangement of the train wheels, chronograph 1/10 second is
displayed at the 9 o'clock position of the watch.
Further, in FIG. 14, the chronograph train wheel 1200G includes the
train wheels of a one second CG first intermediate wheel 1221, a
one second CG second intermediate wheel 1222, and a one second CG
wheel 1223 which is disposed at the center position of the 60
seconds display unit 1220: With the above arrangement of the train
wheels, a chronograph second is displayed at the 12 o'clock
position of the watch.
Further, in FIG. 14, the chronograph train wheel 1200G includes the
train wheels of a minute CG first intermediate wheel 1211, a minute
CG second intermediate wheel 1212, a minute CG third intermediate
wheel 1213, a minute CG fourth intermediate wheel 1214, an hour CG
intermediate wheel 1215, a minute CG wheel 1216, and an hour CG
wheel 1217. The minute CG wheel 1216 and the hour CG wheel 1217 are
concentrically disposed at the center position of the 12 hours
display unit 1210. With the above arrangement of the train wheels,
a chronograph minute and hour are displayed at the 3 o'clock
position of the watch.
FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing how a 1/10 second display
train wheel of the chronograph train wheel 1200G is engaged.
A rotor pinion 1404a is meshed with a 1/10 second CG intermediate
wheel gear 1231a which meshed with a 1/10 second CG wheel gear
1232a. Since a speed reduction ratio from the rotor pinion 1404a to
the 1/10 second CG wheel gear 1232a is set to 1/5, the IC 1702
outputs an electric signal so that the rotor 1404 is rotated
one-half turn in 1/10 second. Thus, the 1/10 second CG wheel 1232
is rotated one turn in a second, and chronograph 1/10 second can be
displayed by the 1/10 second chronograph hand 1231 fitted to the
extreme end of the 1/10 second CG wheel 1232.
FIG. 17 is a side sectional view showing how a one second display
train wheel of the chronograph train wheel 1200G is engaged.
The 1/10 second CG intermediate wheel gear 1231a is meshed with a
one second CG first intermediate wheel gear 1221a, and a one second
CG first intermediate wheel pinion 1221b is meshed with a one
second CG second intermediate wheel gear 1222a. Further, a one
second CG second intermediate wheel pinion 1222b is meshed with a
one second CG gear wheel 1223a. The 1/10 second CG intermediate
wheel gear 1231a is meshed with the rotor pinion 1404a as described
above, and a speed reduction ratio from the rotor pinion 1404a to
the one second CG gear wheel 1223a is set to 1/300. Therefore, the
one second CG wheel 1223 is rotated one turn in 60 seconds, and a
chronograph one second can be displayed by the one second
chronograph hand 1221 engaged with the extreme end of the one
second CG wheel 1223.
FIG. 18 is a side sectional view showing how an hour and minute
display train wheel of the chronograph train wheel 1200G is
engaged.
The one second CG second intermediate wheel gear 1222a is meshed
with the minute CG first intermediate wheel gear 1211a which is
meshed with a minute CG second intermediate wheel gear 1212a.
Further, a minute CG second intermediate wheel pinion 1212b is
meshed with a minute CG third intermediate wheel gear 1213a, and a
minute CG third intermediate wheel pinion 1213b is meshed with a
minute CG fourth intermediate wheel gear 1214a. Furthermore, a
minute CG fourth intermediate wheel pinion 1214b is meshed with the
minute CG wheel 1216a. In addition, a minute CG wheel pinion 1216b
is meshed with an hour CG intermediate wheel gear 1215a, and an
hour CG intermediate wheel pinion 1215b is meshed with an hour CG
wheel gear 1217a. Note that, in FIGS. 15, 16 and 17, since a speed
reduction ratio from the rotor 1404 to the minute CG wheel gear
1216a is set to 1/18000, the minute CG wheel 1216 is rotated one
turn in 60 minutes and a chronograph minute can be displayed by the
minute chronograph hand 1212 fitted to the extreme end of the
minute CG wheel 1216. Further, since a speed reduction ratio from
the minute CG wheel pinion 1216b to the hour CG wheel gear 1217a is
set to 1/12, the hour CG wheel 1217 is rotated one turn in 12
hours, and a chronograph hour can be displayed by the hour
chronograph hand 1211 fitted to the extreme end of the hour CG
wheel 1217.
FIG. 19 is a plan view showing the circuit board 1704 constituting
the first layer of the timepiece 1000 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 when
it is viewed from the backside of the timepiece, wherein only the
parts electrically connected to the circuit board 1704 are
shown.
The circuit board 1704 shown in FIG. 19 is, for example, a flexible
print board and disposed on the movement 1700 shown in FIG. 14. The
IC 1702, the tonometer type quartz resonator 1703, the large
capacity capacitance 1814 and the like are mounted on the circuit
board 1704. Then, drive pulses of an ordinary time and a
chronograph are generated by the IC 1702 and transmitted to the
coil blocks 1302 and 1402 of the respective motors 1300 and
1400.
The positive terminal of the secondary power supply 1500 is
connected to the circuit board 1704 in such a manner that the
extreme end spring portion of a positive terminal 1502, which is
guided by a pin 1501 fitted into the main plate 1701 composed of a
metal, comes into contact with the side of the button type
secondary power supply 1500 with predetermined spring force. A
positive lead plate 1503 comes into contact with the extreme end of
the pin 1501, and further extreme end spring portion of the
positive lead plate 1503 comes into contact with the positive
pattern of the circuit board 1704 with predetermined spring force.
Therefore, the positive voltage is supplied through the secondary
power supply 1500.fwdarw.the positive terminal 1502.fwdarw.the pin
1501.fwdarw.the positive lead plate 1503.fwdarw.the positive
pattern of the circuit board 1704.fwdarw.the IC 1702. Further, the
negative voltage of the secondary power supply 1500 is connected to
the circuit board 1704 in such a manner that a spring portion,
which is disposed to the outer periphery of a negative terminal
1504 welded and conducted to the end surface of the secondary power
supply 1500, comes into contact with the negative pattern of the
circuit board 1704 with predetermined spring force. Therefore, the
negative voltage is supplied through the secondary power supply
1500.fwdarw.the negative terminal 1504.fwdarw.the negative pattern
of the circuit board 1704.fwdarw.he IC 1702. Note that an
insulating plate 1505 is mounted on the negative terminal 1504 to
prevent the short-circuit of the negative terminal 1504 to the
third intermediate receiving plate 2003.
FIG. 20 is a plan view showing the first intermediate receiving
plate 2001, the second intermediate receiving plate 2002, and the
third intermediate receiving plate 2003 for dividing the first
layer of the timepiece 1000 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 from the
second layer viewed from the backside of the timepiece 1000.
The first intermediate receiving plate 2001, the second
intermediate receiving plate 2002, and the third intermediate
receiving plate 2003, which are shown in FIG. 20, are disposed on
the circuit board 1704 shown in FIG. 19. The first intermediate
receiving plate 2001 is disposed to the outermost side in a 6
o'clock direction side so as to cover the motor 1300, the switching
unit 1100C, the tonometer type quartz resonator 1703 which
constitutes the control circuit 1800, the large capacity
capacitance 1814, and the like. The second intermediate receiving
plate 2002 is disposed inwardly of the first intermediate receiving
plate 2001 so as to cover the ordinary time train wheel 1100G, the
IC 1702 which constitutes the control circuit 1800, and the like.
The third intermediate receiving plate 2003 is disposed in a 12
o'clock direction side so as to cover the chronograph train wheel
1200G, the motor 1400, the secondary power supply 1500 such as the
lithium ion power supply, and the like.
Next, the second layer side will be described with reference to
FIG. 21 to FIG. 34. FIG. 21 is a plan view showing the power
generating unit 1600 (power generating mechanism 1601), which
constitutes the second layer of the timepiece shown in FIGS. 11 and
12 excluding the oscillating weight 1605, and the reset to zero
mechanism 1200R when they are viewed from the backside of the
timepiece 1000.
The power generating mechanism 1601 shown in FIG. 21 is disposed on
the second intermediate receiving plate 2002 shown in FIG. 20, and
the reset to zero mechanism 1200R is disposed on the second
intermediate receiving plate 2002 and the third intermediate
receiving plate 2003 shown in FIG. 20 extending therebetween.
The schematic arrangement of the power generating unit 1600 will be
described here with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23.
The power generating unit 1600 shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is composed
of a power generating coil 1602 wound around a highly permeable
material, a power generating stator 1603 composed of a highly
permeable material, a power generating rotor 1604 composed of a
permanent magnet and a wheel pinion unit, and a one-sided
oscillating weight 1605 disposed on the upper receiving plate 2010
and the like.
The oscillating weight 1605 and the oscillating weight wheel 1606
disposed below the oscillating weight 1605 are rotatably journaled
by a shaft fixed to the upper receiving plate 2010, and the removal
of them in an axial direction is prevented by an oscillating weight
screw 1607. The oscillating weight wheel 1606 is meshed with the
wheel pinion unit 1608a of a power generating rotor transmission
wheel 1608, and the gear portion 1608b of the power generating
rotor transmission wheel 1608 is meshed with the wheel pinion unit
1604a of the power generating rotor 1604. The speed of the train
wheel is increased from 30 times to about 200 times. The speed
increasing ratio can be optionally set in accordance with the
capability of the power generating unit the specification of the
watch.
In the above arrangement, when the oscillating weight 1605 is
rotated by the motion of the wrist of a user, or the like, the
power generating rotor 1604 is rotated at a high speed. Since the
permanent magnet is fixed to the power generating rotor 1604, the
direction of magnetic flux which is obliquely across the power
generating coil 1602 through the power generating stator 1603 is
changed each time the power generating rotor 1604 is rotated,
whereby an alternating voltage is generated to the power generating
coil 1602 by electromagnetic induction. The alternating voltage is
rectified by a rectifying circuit 1609 mounted on the circuit board
1704 and charged to the secondary power supply 1500.
Subsequently, the structure of the periphery of the power
generating unit 1600 as another characteristic portion of the
timepiece 1000 will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 24.
In FIGS. 21 and 24, the power generating coil 1602 is connected to
a conductive pattern formed on a conduction board 1611 through a
lead pattern formed on a coil lead board 1610. Both the surfaces of
the conduction board 1611 are held between a conductive press plate
1621 disposed on the upper receiving plate 2010 side and a
conduction guide seat 1613 disposed on the second intermediate
receiving plate 2002. Then, a through hole is formed from the
conduction guide seat 1613 to the second intermediate receiving
plate 2002, and the conduction pattern formed on the conduction
board 1611 is connected to the power supply pattern formed on the
circuit board 1704 through a conduction spring (compression coil
spring) 1614 inserted into the through hole. Therefore, the
alternating voltage is supplied from the power generating unit 1600
to the secondary power supply 1500 through the power generating
coil 1602.fwdarw.the lead pattern of the coil lead board
1610.fwdarw.the conduction pattern of the conduction board
1611.fwdarw.the conduction spring 1614.fwdarw.the power supply
pattern of the circuit board 1704.fwdarw.the secondary power supply
1500.
Since the conduction spring 1614 is compressed by being held
between the conduction board 1611 and the circuit board 1704, both
the ends of the conduction spring 1614 come into intimate contact
with the conduction pattern of the conduction board 1611 and the
power supply pattern of the circuit board 1704, whereby the
reliability of conduction can be enhanced.
Further, in FIGS. 21 and 24, the power generating mechanism 1601 is
covered with a magnetic screen 1615 disposed to the upper receiving
plate 2010 side.
The influence of a magnetic field on the motor 1300, which is
caused by power generation, can be reduced by covering the power
generating mechanism 1601 with the magnetic screen 1615. Note that
the same effect or a higher effect also can be achieved by covering
the power generating mechanism 1601 with the magnetic screen 1615
which is disposed on the second intermediate receiving plate 2002
side or on the upper receiving plate 2010 side and the second
intermediate receiving plate 2002 side.
FIG. 25 is a side sectional view showing an example of the
schematic arrangement of the main portion of the reset to zero
mechanism 1200R. Note that the reset to zero mechanism 1200R shown
in FIG. 21 shows a reset state, whereas the reset to zero mechanism
1200R shown in FIG. 25 shows a stop state.
In FIGS. 21 and 25, the reset to zero mechanism 1200R mechanically
is started/stopped and reset by the rotation of an actuation cam
1240 which is disposed at an approximate center. The actuation cam
1240 is formed in a cylindrical shape and has teeth 1240a formed on
the side along the periphery thereof at a predetermined pitch and
columns 1240b formed along the periphery of an end surface thereof
at a predetermined pitch. When the actuation cam 1240 is in a
stationary state, the phase thereof is regulated by an actuation
cam jumper 1241 which is locked between teeth 1240a and rotated
counterclockwise by an actuation cam rotating unit 1242d disposed
at the extreme end of an actuation lever 1242.
As shown in FIG. 26, a start/stop actuation mechanism is composed
of an actuation lever 1242, a switch lever A 1243 and an operating
lever spring 1244.
The actuation lever 1242 is formed in an approximately
flat-L-shape. One end is provided with a bent press section 1242a,
an oval through hole 1242b and a pin 1242c. The other end is
provided with an acute press section 1242d at the extreme end
thereof. The actuation lever 1242 is arranged as a start/stop
actuation mechanism in such a manner that the press section 1242a
may contact the start/stop button 1201. A pin 1242e fixed to the
third intermediate receiving plate 2003 is inserted into the
through hole 1242b. An end of the operating lever spring 1244 is
engaged withpin 1242c and the press section 1242a is disposed in
the vicinity of the actuation cam 1240.
An end of the switch lever A 1243 is arranged as a switch section
1243a. An approximate center thereof is provided a flat projection
1243b and the other end thereof is formed as a locking section
1243c. The switch lever A 1243 is arranged as the start/stop
actuation mechanism in such a manner that the approximate center
thereof is rotatably journaled by a pin 1243d fixed to the third
intermediate receiving plate 2003. The switch section 1243a is
disposed in the vicinity of the start circuit of the circuit board
1704. The projection 1243b is disposed to come into contact with
columns 1240b disposed in the axial direction of the actuation cam
1240 and the locking section 1243c is engaged with a pin 1243e
fixed to the third intermediate receiving plate 2003. That is, the
switch section 1243a of the switch lever A 1243 is turned on by
being caused to come into contact with the start circuit of the
circuit board 1704. Note that the switch lever A 1243, which is
electrically connected to the secondary power supply 1500 through
the main plate 1701 and the like, has the same potential as that of
the positive pole of the secondary power supply 1500.
An example of operation of the start/stop actuation mechanism
arranged as described above will be described as to a case in which
a chronograph is started with reference to FIG. 26 to FIG. 28.
As shown in FIG. 26, when the chronograph is in a stop state, the
actuation lever 1242 is positioned in the state in which the press
section 1242a is separated from the start/stop button 1201, the pin
1242c is pressed in the direction of an illustrated arrow a by the
elastic force of the operating lever spring 1244, and an end of the
through hole 1242b is pressed in the direction of an illustrated
arrow b. At the time, the extreme end 1242d of the actuation lever
1242 is located between teeth 1240a of the actuation cam 1240.
The switch lever A 1243 is positioned in the state in which the
projection 1243b is pushed upward by columns 1240b of the actuation
cam 1240 so as to be against the spring force of a spring section
1243c disposed to the other end of the switch lever A, and the
locking section 1243c is pressed in the direction of an illustrated
arrow C by the pin 1243e. At the time, the switch section 1243a of
the switch lever A 1243 is separated from the start circuit of the
circuit board 1704 so that the start circuit is electrically shut
off.
When the start/stop button 1201 is pressed in the direction of the
illustrated arrow a to shift the chronograph to a start state from
the above state as shown in FIG. 27, the press section 1242a of the
actuation lever 1242 comes into contact with the start/stop button
1201 and is pressed in the direction of the illustrated arrow b,
whereby the operating lever spring 1244 is pressed by the pin 1242c
and elastically deformed in the direction of an illustrated arrow
c. Therefore, the actuation lever 1242 moves in the direction of an
illustrated arrow d as a whole by being guided by the through hole
1242b and the pin 1242e. At the same time, the extreme end 1242d of
the actuation lever 1242 comes into contact with the side of a
tooth 1240a of the actuation cam 1240 thereby causing the actuation
cam 1240 to rotate in the direction of an illustrated arrow e.
At the same time, the phase of the sides of the columns 1240b is
displaced from that of the projection 1243b of the switch lever A
1243 by the rotation of the actuation cam 1240, and when the
displacement reaches the gap between columns 1240b, the projection
1243b is caused to come into the gap by the restoring force of the
spring section 1243c. Therefore, the switch section 1243a of the
switch lever A 1243 is rotated in the direction of an arrow f and
comes into contact with the start circuit of the circuit board 1704
so that the start circuit is electrically conducted.
At the time, the extreme end 1241a of the actuation cam jumper 1241
is pushed upward by a tooth 1240a of the actuation cam 1240.
Then, the above operation is continued until the tooth 1240a of the
actuation lever 1242 is advanced one pitch.
Thereafter, when a hand is released from the start/stop button
1201, it is automatically returned to its original state by a
spring contained therein as shown in FIG. 28. Then, the pin 1242c
of the actuation lever 1242 is pressed in the direction of the
illustrated arrow a by the restoring force of the operating lever
spring 1244. Accordingly, the actuation lever 1242 is moved as a
whole in the direction of the illustrated arrow b by being guided
by the through hole 1242b and the pin 1242e until an end of the
through hole 1242b comes into contact with the pin 1242e and is
returned to a position similar to that shown in FIG. 26.
Since the projection 1243b of the switch lever A 1243 remains
between columns 1240b of the actuation cam 1240 at the time, the
switch section 1243a is in contact with the start circuit of the
circuit board 1704, and thus the electric conductive state of the
start circuit is maintained. Therefore, the chronograph is
maintained in the start state.
At the same time, the extreme end 1241a of the actuation cam jumper
1241 enters between teeth 1240a of the actuation cam 1240 to
thereby regulate the reverse rotation of the actuation cam
1240.
On the other hand, when the chronograph is to be stopped, operation
similar to the above start operation is carried out so that the
state shown in FIG. 26 is finally restored.
As described above, the actuation cam 1240 is rotated by swinging
the actuation lever 1242 by pushing the start/stop button 1201,
whereby the start/stop of the chronograph can be controlled by
swinging the switch lever A 1243.
As shown in FIG. 21, a reset actuation mechanism comprises the
actuation cam 1240, an operating lever 1251, a hammer operating
lever 1252, a hammer intermediate lever 1253, a hammer start lever
1254, the operating lever spring 1244, a hammer intermediate lever
spring 1255, a hammer jumper 1256, and a switch lever B 1257.
Further, the reset actuation mechanism comprises a heart cam A
1261, a reset to zero lever A 1262, a reset to zero lever A spring
1263, a heart cam B 1264, a reset to zero lever B 1265, a reset to
zero lever B spring 1266, a heart cam C 1267, a reset to zero lever
C 1268, a reset to zero lever C spring 1269, a heart cam D 1270, a
reset to zero lever D 1271, and a reset to zero lever D spring
1272.
The chronograph reset actuation mechanism is arranged such that it
is not actuated when the chronograph is in the start state and
actuated when chronograph is set to the stop state. The mechanism
is called a safety mechanism. First, the operating lever 1251, the
hammer operating lever 1252, the hammer intermediate lever 1253,
the operating lever spring 1244, the hammer intermediate lever
spring 1255, and the hammer jumper 1256, which constitute the
safety mechanism, will be described with reference to FIG. 29. Note
that the hammer intermediate lever spring 1255 and the hammer
jumper 1256 are omitted in the figure.
The operating lever 1251 is formed in an approximately
flat-Y-shape, and has a press section 1251a at an end and an oval
through hole 1251b at an end of a fork, and a pin 1251c is
interposed between the press section 1251a and the through hole
1251b. The operating lever 1251 is arranged as the reset actuation
mechanism in such a manner that the press section 1251a is caused
to be in contact with the reset button 1202. The pin 1252c of the
hammer operating lever 1252 is inserted into the through hole
1215b. The other end of the fork is rotatably journaled by a pin
1251d fixed to the movement side and the other end of the operating
lever spring 1244 is locked to the pin 1251c.
The hammer operating lever 1252 is arranged such that a first
hammer operating lever 1252a of an approximately rectangular
flat-plate-shape overlaps a second hammer operating lever 1252 and
they are journaled by a rotatable shaft 1252g at an approximate
center thereof each other so as to rotate each other. The pin 1252c
is disposed at an end of the first hammer operating lever 1252a,
and press sections 1252d and 1252e are formed at both the ends of
the second hammer operating lever 1252b, respectively. The hammer
operating lever 1252 is arranged as the reset actuation mechanism
in such a manner that the pin 1252c is inserted into the through
hole 1251b of the operating lever 1251, the other end of the first
hammer operating lever 1252a is rotatably journaled by a pin 1252f
fixed to the third intermediate receiving plate 2003. Further, the
press section 1252d is caused to be in contact with the press
section 1253c of the hammer intermediate lever 1253, and the press
section 1252e is disposed in the vicinity of the actuation cam
1240.
The hammer intermediate lever 1253 is formed in an approximately
rectangular flat shape, has pins 1253a and 1253b disposed at an end
and an intermediate section, respectively. In addition, one of the
corner portions of the other end of the hammer intermediate lever
1253 is formed as the press section 1253c. The hammer intermediate
lever 1253 is arranged as the reset actuation mechanism in such a
manner that an end of the hammer intermediate lever spring 1255 is
engaged to the pin 1253a, an end of the hammer jumper 1256 is
engaged to the pin 1253b, the press section 1253c is in contact
with the press section 1252d of the second hammer operating lever
1252b, and the other corner portion of the other end is rotatably
journaled by a pin 1253d fixed to the third intermediate receiving
plate 2003.
An example of operation of the safety mechanism arranged as
described above will be described with reference to FIG. 29 to FIG.
32.
When the chronograph is in the start state, the operating lever
1251 is positioned in the state in which the press section 1251a is
separated from the reset button 1202 and the pin 1251c is pressed
in the direction of an illustrated arrow a by the elastic force of
the operating lever spring 1244 as shown in FIG. 29. In this
position, the press section 1252e of the second hammer operating
lever 1252b is located outwardly of the gap between columns 1240b
of the actuation cam 1240.
When the reset button 1202 is pressed in the direction of the
illustrated arrow a in this state as shown in FIG. 30, the press
section 1251a of the operating lever 1251 comes into contact with
the reset button 1202 and is pressed in the direction of an arrow
b, whereby the pin 1251c presses the operating lever spring 1244
thereby elastically deforming it in the direction of an arrow c.
Therefore, the actuation lever 1251 is rotated as a whole in the
direction of an illustrated arrow d about the pin 1251d. Since the
pin 1252c of the first hammer operating lever 1252a is moved along
the through hole 1251b of the operating lever 1251 by the rotation,
the first hammer operating lever 1252a is rotated in the direction
of an illustrated arrow e about the pin 1252f.
In this position, since the press section 1252e of the second
hammer operating lever 1252b enters the gap between the columns
1240b, even if the press section 1252d comes into contact with the
press section 1253c of the hammer intermediate lever 1253, the
second hammer operating lever 1252b is rotated about the shaft
1252g so that stroke is absorbed. Thus, the press section 1253c is
not pressed by the press section 1252d. Accordingly, the
manipulating force of the reset button 1202 is interrupted by the
hammer operating lever 1252 and is not transmitted to the reset
actuation mechanism located rearward of the hammer intermediate
lever 1253 to be described later. Therefore, even if the reset
button 1202 is erroneously pressed when the chronograph is in the
start state, the chronograph is prevented from being reset.
In contrast, when the chronograph is in the stop state, the
operating lever 1251 is positioned in the state in which the press
section 1251a is separated from the reset button 1202 and the pin
1251c is pressed in the direction of an illustrated arrow a by the
elastic force of the operating lever spring 1244 as shown in FIG.
31. At the time, the press section 1252e of the second hammer
operating lever 1252b is in contact with the side of a column 1240b
of the actuation cam 1240.
When the reset button 1202 is pressed with a hand in the direction
of an illustrated arrow a in this state as shown in FIG. 32, the
press section 1251a of the operating lever 1251 comes into contact
with the reset button 1202 and pressed in the direction of an arrow
b, whereby the pin 1251c presses the operating lever spring 1244
and elastically deforms it in the direction of an arrow c.
Therefore, the actuation lever 1251 is rotated as a whole in the
direction of an illustrated arrow d about the pin 1251d. Since the
pin 1252c of the first hammer operating lever 1252a is moved along
the through hole 1251b by the rotation, the first hammer operating
lever 1252a is rotated in the direction of an illustrated arrow e
about the pin 1252f.
In this position, since the press section 1252e of the second
hammer operating lever 1252b is stopped by the side of a column
1240b of the actuation cam 1240, the second hammer operating lever
1252b is rotated in the direction of the illustrated arrow f about
the shaft 1252g. Since the rotation causes the press section 1252d
of the second hammer operating lever 1252b to come into contact
with the press section 1253c and pushing against it, the hammer
intermediate lever 1253 is rotated in the direction of an
illustrated arrow g about the pin 1253d. Therefore, since the
manipulating force of the reset button 1202 is transmitted to the
reset actuation mechanism located rearward of the hammer
intermediate lever 1253 to be described later, the chronograph can
be reset by pressing the reset button 1202 when it is in the stop
state. Note that when the chronograph is reset, switch lever B 1257
comes into contact with the reset circuit of the circuit board
1704, whereby the chronograph is electrically rest.
Next, description will be made with reference to FIG. 33 as to the
hammer start lever 1254, the heart cam A 1261, the reset to zero
lever A 1262, the reset to zero lever A spring 1263, the heart cam
B 1264, the reset to zero lever B 1265, the reset to zero lever B
spring 1266, the heart cam C 1267, the reset to zero lever C 1268,
the reset to zero lever C spring 1269, the heart cam D 1270, the
reset to zero lever D 1271, and the reset to zero lever D spring
1272 which constitute the main mechanisms of the chronograph reset
actuation mechanism shown in FIG. 21.
The hammer start lever 1254 is formed in an approximate
flat-I-shape and has an end at which an oval through hole 1254a is
formed and the other end at which a lever D suppressing section
1254b is formed. Further, the hammer start lever 1254 has a lever B
suppressing section 1254c and a lever C suppressing section 1254d
formed at the center thereof. The hammer start lever 1254 is
arranged as the reset actuation mechanism in such a manner that the
central portion thereof is rotatably fixed and the pin 1253b of the
hammer intermediate lever 1253 is inserted into the through hole
1254a.
The heart cams A 1261, B 1264, C 1267, and D 1270 are fixed to the
respective rotating shafts of the 1/10 second CG wheel 1232, the
one second CG wheel 1223, the minute CG wheel 1216, and the hour CG
wheel 1217, respectively.
An end of the reset to zero lever A 1262 is formed as a hammer unit
1262a for striking the heart cam A 1261. The other end thereof is
provided with a rotation regulating section 1262b formed thereon,
and the central portion is provided with a pin 1262c. The reset to
zero lever A 1262 is arranged as the reset actuation mechanism in
such a manner that the other end thereof is rotatably journaled by
the pin 1253d fixed to the third intermediate receiving plate 2003
and an end of the reset to zero lever A spring 1263 is engaged
against the pin 1262c.
An end of the reset to zero lever B 1265 is formed as a hammer unit
1265a for striking the heart cam B 1264. The other end thereof is
provided with a rotation regulating section 1265b and a press
section 1265c and the central portion thereof is provided with a
pin 1265d. The reset to zero lever B 1265 is arranged as the reset
actuation mechanism in such a manner that the other end thereof is
rotatably journaled by the pin 1253d fixed to the third
intermediate receiving plate 2003 and an end of the reset to zero
lever B spring 1266 is engaged against the pin 1265d.
An end of the reset to zero lever C 1268 is formed as a hammer unit
1268a for striking the heart cam C 1267. The other end thereof is
provided with a rotation regulating section 1268b and a press
section 1268c, and the central portion thereof is provided with a
pin 1268d. The reset to zero lever B C1268 is arranged as the reset
actuation mechanism in such a manner that the other end thereof is
rotatably journaled by a pin 1268e fixed to the third intermediate
receiving plate 2003 and an end of the reset to zero lever C spring
1269 is engaged against the pin 1268d.
An end of the reset to zero lever D 1271 is formed as a hammer unit
1271a for striking the heart cam D 1270, and the other end thereof
is provided with a pin 1271b. The reset to zero lever D 1271 is
arranged as the reset actuation mechanism in such a manner that the
other end thereof is rotatably journaled by a pin 1271c fixed to
the third intermediate receiving plate 2003 and an end of the reset
to zero lever D spring 1272 is engaged against the pin 1271b.
An example of operation of the reset actuation mechanism arranged
as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 33 and
34.
When the chronograph is in the stop state, the reset to zero lever
A 1262 is positioned such that the rotation regulating section
1262b is engaged against the rotation regulating section 1265b of
the reset to zero lever B 1265. The pin 1262c is pushed in the
direction of an illustrated arrow a by the elastic force of the
reset to zero lever A spring 1263 as shown in FIG. 33.
The reset to zero lever B 1265 is positioned such that the rotation
regulating section 1265b is abutted against the lever B suppressing
section 1254c of the hammer start lever 1254. The press section
1265c is pushed against the side of a column 1240b of the actuation
cam 1240, and the pin 1265d is pushed in the direction of an
illustrated arrow b by the elastic force of the reset to zero lever
B spring 1266.
The reset to zero lever C 1268 is positioned such that the rotation
regulating section 1268b is engaged against the lever C suppressing
section 1254d of the hammer start lever 1254. The press section
1268c is pushed against the side of a column 1240b of the actuation
cam 1240, and the pin 1268d is pushed in the direction of an
illustrated arrow c by the elastic force of the reset to zero lever
B spring 1269.
The reset to zero lever D 1271 is positioned such that the pin
1271b is engaged against the lever D suppressing section 1254b of
the hammer start lever 1254 and pushed in the direction of an
illustrated arrow d by the elastic force of the reset to zero lever
D spring 1272.
Therefore, the respective hammer units 1262a, 1265a, 1268a, and
1271a of the reset to zero levers A 1262, B 1265, C 1268, and D
1271 are positioned by being spaced apart from the respective heart
cams A 1261, B 1264, C 1267, and D 1270 a predetermined
distance.
When the hammer intermediate lever 1253 is rotated in the direction
of the illustrated arrow g about the pin 1253d in this state as
shown in FIG. 32, since the pin 1253b of the hammer intermediate
lever 1253 is moved in the through hole 1254a of the hammer start
lever 1254 while pressing the through hole 1254a, the hammer start
lever 1254 is rotated in the direction of the illustrated arrow
a.
Thus, the rotation regulating section 1265b of the reset to zero
lever B 1265 is removed from the lever B suppressing section 1254c
of the hammer start lever 1254, and the press section 1265c of the
reset to zero lever B 1265 enters the gap between columns 1240b of
the actuation cam 1240. With this operation, the pin 1265d of the
reset to zero lever B 1265 is pressed in the direction of the
illustrated arrow c by the restoring force of the reset to zero
lever B spring 1266. At the same time, the regulation of the
rotation regulating section 1262b is released and the pin 1262c of
the reset to zero lever A 1262 is pressed in the direction of the
illustrated arrow b by the restoring force of the reset to zero
lever A spring 1263. Therefore, the reset to zero lever A 1262 and
the reset to zero lever B 1265 are rotated in the directions of
illustrated arrows d and e about the pin 1253d, and the respective
hammer units 1262a and 1265a strike the respective heart cams A
1261 and B 1264 and rotate them, and reset the 1/10 second
chronograph hand 1231 and the one second chronograph hand 1221 to
zero, respectively.
At the same time, the rotation regulating section 1268b of the
reset to zero lever C 1268 is removed from the lever C suppressing
section 1254d of the hammer start lever 1254, the press section
1268c of the reset to zero lever C 1268 enters the gap between
columns 1240b of the actuation cam 1240, and the pin 1268d of the
reset to zero lever C 1268 is pressed in the direction of an
illustrated arrow f by the restoring force of the reset to zero
lever C spring 1269. Further, the pin 1271b of the reset to zero
lever D 1271 is removed from the lever D suppressing section 1254b
of the hammer start lever 1254. With this operation, the pin 1271b
of the reset to zero lever D 1271 is pressed in the direction of an
illustrated arrow h by the restoring force of the reset to zero
lever D spring 1272. Therefore, the reset to zero lever C 1268 and
the reset to zero lever D 1271 are rotated in the directions of
illustrated arrows i and j about the pin 1268e and the pin 1271c,
the respective hammer units 1268a and 1271a strike and rotate the
heart cams C 1267 and D 1270 and reset the 1/10 second chronograph
hand 1231 and the one second chronograph hand 1221 to zero,
respectively.
With a series of the above operation, when the chronograph is in
the stop state, the chronograph can be reset by pressing the reset
button 1202. FIG. 35 is a schematic block diagram showing an
example of the arrangement of the system as a whole excluding the
mechanical portion of the timepiece 1000 of FIG. 11.
A signal SQB having an oscillating frequency of, for example, 32
kHz, which is output from a quartz oscillating circuit 1801
including the tonometer type quartz resonator 1703, is input to a
high frequency dividing circuit 1802 and divided to frequencies
from 16 kHz to 128 Hz. A signal SHD divided by the frequency
dividing circuit 1802 is input to a low frequency dividing circuit
1803 and divided to frequencies from 64 Hz to 1/80 Hz. Note that
the frequency generated by the low frequency dividing circuit 1803
can be reset by a basic watch reset circuit 1804 connected to the
low frequency dividing circuit 1803.
A signal SLD divided by the low frequency dividing circuit 1803 is
input to a motor pulse generating circuit 1805 as a timing signal,
and when the divided signal SLD is made active at, for example,
each 1 second or 1/10 second, pulses for driving a motor and pulses
SPW for detecting the rotation and the like of the motor are
created. The motor drive pulses SPW created by the motor pulse
generating circuit 1805 are supplied to the motor 1300 of the
ordinary time measuring section 1100 so as to drive the motor.
Further, the pulses SPW for detecting the rotation of the motor and
the like are supplied to a motor detecting circuit 1806 at a timing
different from that of the above pulses so that the external
magnetic field of the motor 1300 and the rotation of the rotor of
the motor 1300 are detected. Then, the external magnetic field
detecting signal and the rotation detecting signal SDW detected by
the motor detecting circuit 1806 are fed back to the motor pulse
generating circuit 1805.
The alternating voltage SAC generated by the power generating unit
1600 is input to the rectifying circuit 1609 through a charge
control circuit 1811, subjected to, for example, half-wave
rectification, made to a direct current voltage SDC and charged in
the secondary power supply 1500. The voltage SVB across both the
ends of the secondary power supply 1500 is detected by the voltage
detecting circuit 1812 at all time or when necessary, and a
corresponding charge control command SFC is input to the charge
control circuit 1811 depending upon the excessive or insufficient
state of the charged amount of the secondary power supply 1500.
Then, the start/stop of the supply of the alternating voltage SAC
generated by the power generating unit 1600 to a rectifying circuit
1609 is controlled in response to the charge control command
SFC.
In contrast, the direct current voltage SDC charged in the
secondary power supply 1500 is input to a voltage increase circuit
1813 including a voltage increasing capacitor 1813a and increased
to a predetermined times of a voltage. Then, the increased direct
current voltage SDU is charged in a large capacitance capacitor
1814.
The voltage increase is a means for securing the reliable operation
even if the voltage of the secondary power supply 1500 is lower
than the operating voltage of the motors and circuits. That is, the
motors and the circuits are driven by the electric energy stored in
the large capacity capacitor 1814. However, when the voltage of the
secondary power supply 1500 is increased to an approximate 1.3V,
the large capacity capacitor 1814 and the secondary power supply
1500 are used by being connected in parallel with each other.
The voltage SVC across both the ends of the large capacity
capacitor 1814 is detected by the voltage detecting circuit 1812 at
all times or when necessary, and a corresponding voltage increase
command SUC is input to a voltage increase control circuit 1815
depending upon the remaining state of the amount of electricity in
the large capacity capacitor 1814. Then, a voltage increasing ratio
SWC in the voltage increase circuit 1813 is controlled based on the
voltage increase command SUC. The voltage increasing ratio means a
multiplying ratio when the voltage of the secondary power supply
1500 is increased and generated by the large capacity capacitor
1814 and controlled at a multiplying ratio of 3 times, 2 times, 1.5
times, 1 time and the like when it is represented by (voltage of
the large capacity capacitor 1814)/(voltage of the secondary power
supply 1500).
The start signal SST, the stop signal SSP and the reset signal SRT,
which are supplied from the switch A 1821 provided with the
start/stop button 1201 and the switch B 1822 provided with the
reset button 1202, are input to a mode control circuit 1824 for
controlling the respective modes in the chronograph through a
switch input circuit 1823. The signals also determine whether the
start/stop button 1201 is pressed or not, or a switch input
circuit/chattering prevention circuit 1823, which determines
whether the reset button 1202 is pressed or not. Note that the
switch A 1821 includes a switch lever A 1243 as a switch holding
mechanism, and the switch B 1822 includes a switch lever B
1257.
Further, the signal SHD divided by the frequency dividing circuit
1802 also is input to the mode control circuit 1824. Then, a
start/stop control signal SMC is supplied from the mode control
circuit 1824 in response to the start signal SST, and the
chronograph reference signal SCB created by a chronograph reference
signal generating circuit 1825 is input to a motor pulse generating
circuit 1826 in response to the start/stop control signal SMC.
On the other hand, the chronograph reference signal SCB created by
the chronograph reference signal generating circuit 1825 also is
input to a chronograph low frequency dividing circuit, and the
signal SHD divided by the frequency dividing circuit 1802 is
divided from a frequency of 64 Hz to a frequency of 16 Hz in
synchronism with the chronograph reference signal SCB. Then, the
signal SCD divided by the frequency dividing circuit 1827 is input
to the motor pulse generating circuit 1826.
Then, the chronograph reference signal SCB and the dividing signal
SCD are input to the motor pulse generating circuit 1826 as timing
signals. For example, the dividing signal SCD is made active in
response to the output timing of the chronograph reference signal
SCB which is issued, for example, each 1/10 second or 1 second, and
pulses for driving a motor and pulses SPC for detecting the
rotation and the like of the motor are created in response to the
dividing signal SCD and the like. The motor drive pulses SPC
created by the motor pulse generating circuit 1826 are supplied to
the chronograph motor 1400 so as to drive it. Further, the pulse
SPC for detecting the rotation and the like of the motor is
supplied to a motor detecting circuit 1828 at a timing different
from that of the above pulse so that the external magnetic field of
the motor 1400 and the rotation of the rotor of the motor 1400 are
detected. Then, the external magnetic field detecting signal and
the rotation detecting signal SDG detected by the motor detecting
circuit 1828 are fed back to the motor pulse generating circuit
1826.
Further, the chronograph reference signal SCB created by the
chronograph reference signal generating circuit 1825 also is input
to an automatic stop counter 1829 of, for example, 16 bits and
counted thereby. Then, when the count reaches a predetermined count
value, that is, a measurement limit time is reached, an automatic
stop signal SAS is input to the mode control circuit 1824. At the
same time, the stop signal SSP is input to the chronograph
reference signal generating circuit 1825, whereby the chronograph
reference signal generating circuit 1825 is stopped and reset.
Further, when the stop signal SSP is input to the mode control
circuit 1824, the output of the start/stop control signal SMC is
stopped and the creation of the chronograph reference signal SCB
also is stopped so that the drive of the chronograph motor 1400 is
stopped. After the creation of the chronograph reference signal SCB
is stopped, the reset signal SRT, which has been input to the mode
control circuit 1824, is supplied to the chronograph reference
signal generating circuit 1825 and the automatic stop counter 1829
as a reset control signal SRC, whereby the chronograph reference
signal generating circuit 1825 and the automatic stop counter 1829
are reset as well as the respective chronograph hands are reset (to
zero).
The present invention is by no means limited to the above
embodiment and various modification can be made within the range
which does not depart from the claims.
For example, although the two motors, the ordinary time drive motor
1300 and the chronograph drive motor 1400 are independently
provided, the present invention also is applicable to a case in
which two or more chronograph drive motors are provided, whereby a
size can be reduced.
Further, while the electronic watch having the analog display type
chronograph function has been described as the timepiece, the
present invention is not particularly limited thereto and also is
applicable to an analog display type multi-function timepiece.
As described above, according to the present invention, the
ordinary time measuring section, the time information measuring
section and the reset to zero mechanism are disposed on the
laminated layers. The space of the timepiece main body can be
effectively used, whereby freedom of design can be enhanced such as
the reduction of size in the plane (lateral) direction of the main
body, and the like. Further, the reset to zero mechanism is a
component which has a complex structure, including many spring
parts and the like and requires skill in assembly. Further, it is
difficult to maintain the train wheel sections in a stable state
when they are assembled. However, since the reset to zero mechanism
is disposed on the layer different from the layer on which the
ordinary time measuring section and the time information measuring
section are disposed, the reset to zero mechanism can be assembled
after respective train wheels their receivers are assembled. As a
result, the breakage of the train wheel sections whose state is
difficult to be stabilized in assembly, the removal of wheels and
from tenons, and the like can be prevented so that an assembly job
can be effectively carried out. Further, when the reset to zero
mechanism composed of a lot of parts and the train wheel sections
are disposed on the same layer, re-work requires reassembly of all
the parts. In contrast, since the present invention employs the two
layers structure, an assembled state can be inspected at the time
each layer is assembled, and if rework is required during the
inspection, it can be completed without reassembly of both
layers.
According to the present invention, since the ordinary time
measuring section, the time information measuring section and the
power generating unit are disposed on the laminated layers, the
space of the timepiece main body can be effectively used, whereby
the freedom of design can be enhanced such as the reduction of size
in the plane (lateral) direction of the main body, and the
like.
According to the present invention, since the ordinary time
measuring section, the time information measuring section and the
power generating unit are disposed on the laminated layers, the
space of the main body can be effectively used, whereby the freedom
of design can be enhanced such as the reduction of size in the
plane (lateral) direction of the main body, and the like.
According to the present invention, since the reset to zero
mechanism is disposed in the vicinity of the time information
measuring section, the size of parts can be miniaturized and a
space saving effect can be obtained.
According to the present invention, miniaturization can be realized
because the vacant space of the reset to zero mechanism can be
utilized and the reset to zero mechanism need not overlap other
components on a plane.
According to the present invention, since the reset to zero
mechanism and the power generating unit are disposed on the same
layer, the size of the timepiece main body can be reduced in the
plane (lateral) direction, whereby the freedom of design can be
more enhanced.
According to the present invention, since the reset to zero
mechanism and the power generating unit are disposed on different
layers, the size of the timepiece main body can be greatly reduced
in the plane (lateral) direction, whereby the freedom in design can
be more enhanced.
According to the present invention, the reliability of electric
contact can be improved by the elastic force of the elastic
members, whereby the reliability of electric conduction and an
assembling property can be enhanced.
According to the present invention, since the motors are not
influenced by the magnetic field of generated power, an operating
accuracy can be greatly enhanced.
According to the present invention, a power storing efficiency can
be increased.
According to the present invention, since power can be
automatically stored, an operation failure due to the sudden drop
of the voltage of the power supply can be prevented in measurement
so that the measurement can be carried out in a good state at all
times.
According to the present invention, there can be provided the
conventionally unavailable chronograph which is small in size and
does not require a job for replacing a cell and the like. According
to the present invention, since two or more kinds of time units can
be displayed, more accurate time information and time information
for a long period of time can be obtained.
According to the present invention, the two or more kinds of the
time units are displayed by the mechanical operation performed by
the train wheels, they can be reliably displayed.
According to the present invention, there can be provided the
conventionally unavailable wrist watch which is small in size and
does not require a job for replacing a cell.
According to the present invention, there can be realized a quartz
type watch of high accuracy with an upscale image, the watch having
an accuracy of time, which can be obtained by a quartz watch and
cannot be obtained by a conventional mechanical watch, as well as
having the reset to zero mechanism of a mechanical watch which
permits hands to be instantly returned to a zero position.
A preferable embodiment of the present invention will be described
below based on drawings.
A characteristic portion of a timepiece of the present invention
resides in the structure of a mechanical reset to zero mechanism by
the disposition of an ordinary time display and a time information
display other than the ordinary time display.
FIG. 36 is a plan view showing an embodiment of the timepiece of
the present invention when it is viewed from a front side.
A timepiece 1000 shown in FIG. 36 is an analog electronic watch
having a chronograph function and a dial 1002 and a transparent
glass 1003 are fitted in the interior of an outside case 1001. A
crown 1101 as an external manipulating member is disposed at the 4
o'clock position of the outside casing 1001, and a start/stop
button 1201 and a reset button 1202 are disposed at approximately
the 2 o'clock and 10 o'clock positions respectively. Further, an
ordinary time display section 1110, including an hour hand 1111, a
minute hand 1112, and a second hand 1113, which are ordinary time
hands, is disposed at an approximate 6 o'clock position of the dial
1002. Display units 1210, 1220, and 1230, having chronograph
auxiliary hands, are disposed at an approximate 3 o'clock, 12
o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, respectively. That is, a 12 hours
display unit 1210 having hour and minute chronograph hands 1211 and
1212 for displaying 12 hours with hands are disposed at the
position of the approximate 3 o'clock, a 60 seconds display unit
1220 having one second chronograph hand 1221 for displaying 60
seconds with a hand is disposed at the position of the approximate
12 o'clock, and a one second display unit 1230 having a 1/10 second
chronograph hand 1231 for displaying one second with a hand is
disposed at the position of the approximate 9 o'clock.
As described above, since the ordinary time display unit 1110, the
12 hours display unit 1210, the 60 seconds display unit 1220 and
the one second display unit 1230 of the timepiece 1000 shown in
FIG. 36 are located at the positions other than the center of the
main body of the timepiece 1000, the reset to zero mechanism 1200R,
which will be described below, can be disposed at the center of the
main body of the timepiece 1000.
FIG. 37 is a plan view showing a movement 1700 of the timepiece
1000 shown in FIG. 36 when it is viewed from the backside of the
timepiece 1000.
The movement 1700 shown in FIG. 37 is arranged such that a motor
1300, an ordinary time train wheel 1100G, an IC 1702, a tonometer
type quartz resonator 1703, a large capacity capacitor 1814 and the
like are disposed on a main plate 1701 in a 6 o'clock direction.
The motor 1300 drives the hands of the ordinary time display unit
1110, the ordinary time train wheel 1100G transmits the drive force
of the motor 1300 to the hands of the ordinary time display unit
1110, and the IC 1702 constitutes a switching unit 1100C, which
switches the time and the calendar of the ordinary time display
unit 1110, and a control circuit 1800. Further, a 12 hours display
unit 1210, a 60 seconds display unit 1220, a motor 1400 for driving
the hand of a one second display unit 1230, a chronograph train
wheel 1200G, which transmits the drive force of the motor 1400 to
the hands of the respective display units 1210, 1220, and 1230, and
a secondary power supply 1500 such as a lithium ion power supply,
and the like are disposed on the main plate 1701 in a 12 o'clock
direction.
As shown in FIG. 37, the ordinary time train wheel 1100G includes
the train wheels of a fifth wheel 1121, a second wheel, a third
wheel 1123, a center wheel 1124, a minute wheel 1125, an hour wheel
1126 and the like, and an ordinary time second, minute and hour are
displayed by the train wheels. The center of rotation of the above
indicator wheels are disposed to the peripheral portion of the
approximate center of the main body. That is, there is a case in
which the indicator wheels as a whole including the wheel gear
portions thereof are disposed apart from the center of the main
body and a case in which the respective indicator wheels are
disposed such that although the centers of rotation of the
respective indicator wheels are displaced from the center of the
main body, portions thereof such as the peripheral portions of the
wheel gear portions are disposed so as to be partially located on
the center of the main body.
In FIG. 37, the motors 1300 and 1400 are step motors and composed
of coil blocks 1302 and 1402 having magnetic cores composed of a
highly permeable material, stators 1303 and 1403 composed of a
highly permeable material, rotors 1304 and 1404 composed of rotor
magnets and rotor pinions, and the like.
In FIG. 37, the switching unit 1100C includes the crown 1101, which
is shown in FIG. 36, fixed to an end thereof, as well as a winding
stem 1128, to which a sliding pinion 1127 is fitted, a setting
wheel 1129, a setting lever 1131, a setting lever spring 1132, a
yoke 1133, and a train wheel setting lever 1130 at the other end
thereof.
The setting lever 1131 is provided with another operation pin 1131c
in contact the click pin 1131b and the setting lever rotating shaft
1131a. A yoke 1133, a yoke slot 1133a which is disposed in the
shape of the train wheel setting lever 1130, and a train wheel
setting lever slot 1130a are engaged with the operation pin 1131c.
Further, the sliding pinion 1127 is guided by the winding stem 1128
through the center hole thereof and can be rotated together with
the rotation of the winding stem 1128.
The yoke 1133 can be rotated about a yoke rotating shaft 1133b.
Further, the extreme end of the yoke 1133 is engaged with a cut-out
formed at the sliding pinion 1127. The yoke 1133 moves the sliding
pinion 1127 forward and backward, thereby creating a calendar
correcting state and a time correcting state. The yoke 1133 has a
spring section and always applies force in the direction of the
setting lever rotating shaft 1131a of the setting lever 1131. When
the setting lever 1131 is rotated, the operation pin 1131c of the
setting lever 1131 is also rotated thereby. Thus, the extreme end
of the yoke 1133 moves the sliding pinion 1127 toward the outside
in the first stage and toward the center in the second stage
through the yoke slot 1133a which is engaged with the operation pin
1131c. In the first stage, a wheel gear provided with the sliding
pinion 1127 is meshed with a backside calendar part to thereby
permit a calendar to be corrected. In the second stage, the wheel
gear disposed at the extreme end of the sliding pinion 1127 is
meshed with the setting wheel 1129 to thereby permit a time to be
corrected.
The train wheel setting lever 1130 sets the second wheel 1122 when
the time is corrected as well as stops hand operating pulses by
inputting a reset signal. Likewise the yoke 1133, the train wheel
setting lever 1130 is rotated by the rotation of the operation pin
1131c of the setting lever 1131 about a train wheel setting lever
rotating shaft 1130b along the train wheel setting lever slot 1130a
with which it is engaged, thereby setting the second wheel 1122 as
well as coming into contact with a reset pattern. Since it is
sufficient that the action of the train wheel setting lever 1130 is
applied only to the second stage, the shape of the train wheel
setting lever slot 1130a escapes the rotational locus of the
operation pin 1131c of the setting lever 1131 up to the zero to
first stage as it is.
With the above arrangement, the winding stem 1128 is pulled to the
second stage by pulling the crown 1101, a reset signal input
section 1130b disposed to the train wheel setting lever 1130 comes
into contact with the pattern of a circuit board 1704 on which the
IC 1702 is mounted, thereby stopping the output of motor pulses so
as to stop the operation of the hands. At the time, the rotation of
the fourth wheel gear 1122a is set by the train wheel setting lever
slot 1130a disposed to the train wheel setting lever 1130. When the
winding stem 1128 is rotated together with the crown 1101 in this
state, rotational force is transmitted from the sliding pinion 1127
to the minute wheel 1125 through the setting wheel 1129 and a
minute intermediate wheel 1125a. Since the center wheel gear 1124a
is coupled with the center wheel pinion 1124b with predetermined
sliding torque, the setting wheel 1129, the minute wheel 1125, the
center wheel pinion 1124b, and the hour wheel 1126 are rotated even
if the fourth wheel 1122 is set. Therefore, an arbitrary time can
be set because the minute hand 1112 and the hour hand 1111 are
rotated.
In FIG. 37, the chronograph train wheel 1200G includes the train
wheels of a 1/10 second CG (chronograph) intermediate wheel 1231, a
1/10 second CG wheel 1232 which is disposed at the center of the
one second display unit 1230. With the above arrangement of the
train wheels, chronograph 1/10 second is displayed at the position
of the 9 o'clock of the watch.
Further, in FIG. 37, the chronograph train wheel 1200G includes the
train wheels of a one second CG first intermediate wheel 1221, a
one second CG second intermediate wheel 1222, and a one second CG
wheel 1223 which is disposed at the center position of the 60
seconds display unit 1220. With the above arrangement of the train
wheels, a chronograph 1 second is displayed at the position of the
12 o'clock of the watch.
Further, in FIG. 37, the chronograph train wheel 1200G includes the
train wheels of a minute CG first intermediate wheel 1211, a minute
CG second intermediate wheel 1212, a minute CG third intermediate
wheel 1213, a minute CG fourth intermediate wheel 1214, an hour CG
intermediate wheel 1215, a minute CG wheel 1216, and an hour CG
wheel 1217. The minute CG wheel 1216 and the hour CG wheel 1217 are
concentrically disposed at the center of the 12 hours display unit
1210. With the above arrangement of the train wheels, a chronograph
minute and hour are displayed at the position of 3 o'clock of the
watch. The center of rotation of the above indicator wheels are
disposed to the peripheral portion of the approximate center of the
main body. That is, there is a case in which the indicator wheels
as a whole including the wheel gear portions thereof are disposed
apart from the center of the main body and a case in which the
respective indicator wheels are disposed such that although the
centers of rotation of the respective indicator wheels are
displaced from the center of the main body, portions thereof such
as the peripheral portions of the wheel gear portions are disposed
so as to be partially located on the center of the main body.
Note that only the indicator wheels of the ordinary time display
unit 1110 may be disposed at the center of the main body, in
addition to the case that the indicator wheels of both of the
ordinary time display unit 1110 and the time information display
units 1210, 1220, and 1230 are disposed to the peripheral portion
of the center of the main body as shown in the embodiment.
FIG. 38 is a plan view showing a circuit board 1704 disposed on the
movement 1700 shown in FIGS. 37 when it is viewed from the backside
of the timepiece 1000 and shows parts electrically connected to the
circuit board 1704.
The circuit board 1704 shown in FIG. 38 is, for example, a flexible
print board and has the IC 1702, the large capacity capacitor 1814
and the like mounted thereon. Then, drive pulses of an ordinary
time and a chronograph are generated from the IC 1702 and
transmitted to the coil blocks 1302 and 1402 of the respective
motors 1300 and 1400 connected to a copper foil (not shown).
The positive terminal of the secondary power supply 1500 is
connected to the circuit board 1704 in such a manner that the
extreme end spring portion of a positive terminal 1502, which is
guided by a pin 1501 fitted into the main plate 1701 composed of a
metal, comes into contact with the side of the button type
secondary power supply 1500 with predetermined spring force. A
positive lead plate 1503 comes into contact with the extreme end of
the pin 1501, and further the extreme end spring portion of the
positive lead plate 1503 comes into contact with the positive
pattern of the circuit board 1704 with predetermined spring
force.
Therefore, the positive voltage is supplied through the secondary
power supply 1500.fwdarw.the positive terminal 1502.fwdarw.the pin
1501.fwdarw.the positive lead plate 1503.fwdarw.the positive
pattern of the circuit board 1704.fwdarw.the IC 1702. Further, the
negative voltage of the secondary power supply 1500 is connected to
the circuit board 1704 in such a manner that a spring portion,
which is disposed to the outer periphery of a negative terminal
1504 welded and conducted to the end surface of the secondary power
supply 1500, comes into contact with the negative pattern of the
circuit board 1704 with predetermined spring force. Therefore, the
negative voltage is supplied through the secondary power supply
1500.fwdarw.the negative terminal 1504.fwdarw.the negative pattern
of the circuit board 1704.fwdarw.the IC 1702. Note that an
insulating plate 1505 is mounted on the negative terminal 1504 to
prevent the short-circuit of the negative terminal 1504 to the
third intermediate receiving plate 2003.
FIG. 39 is a plan view showing a first intermediate receiving plate
2001, a second intermediate receiving plate 2002, and a third
intermediate receiving plate 2003 each disposed on the circuit
board shown in FIG. 38 when they are viewed from the backside of
the timepiece.
As shown in FIG. 39, the first intermediate receiving plate 2001 is
disposed to the outermost side in a 6 o'clock direction so as to
cover the motor 1300, the switching unit 1100C, the tonometer type
quartz resonator 1703 which constitutes and the control circuit
1800, the large capacity capacitance 1814, and the like. The second
intermediate receiving plate 2002 is disposed inwardly of the first
intermediate receiving plate 2001 so as to cover the ordinary time
train wheel 1100G, the IC 1702 which constitutes the control
circuit 1800, and the like. The third intermediate receiving plate
2003 is disposed in a 12 o'clock direction so as to cover the
chronograph train wheel 1200G, the motor 1400, the secondary power
supply 1500 such as the lithium ion power supply, and the like.
FIG. 40 is a plan view of a power generating unit 1600 (power
generating mechanism 1601 without an oscillating weight 1605),
which is disposed on the second intermediate receiving plate 2002
shown in FIG. 39, converts mechanical energy into electric energy,
and generates a drive voltage for driving an ordinary time
measuring section 1100. FIG. 40 also shows a time information
measuring section 1200, and the reset to zero mechanism 1200R,
which is disposed on the third intermediate receiving plate 2003
and a first intermediate receiving plate 2102 shown in FIG. 39 and
resets the measurement of time information other than an ordinary
time to zero when they are viewed from the backside of the
timepiece 1000. Further, FIG. 41 is a plan view showing the
oscillating weight 1605 of the power generating unit 1600 disposed
on the power generating mechanism 1601 when it is viewed from the
backside of the timepiece 1000.
The power generating unit 1600 shown in FIGS. 40 and 41 is composed
of a power generating coil 1602 wound around a highly permeable
material, a power generating stator 1603 composed of a highly
permeable material, a power generating rotor 1604 composed of a
permanent magnet and a wheel pinion unit, and a one-sided
oscillating weight 1605 disposed on the upper receiving plate
2010.
The oscillating weight 1605 and the oscillating weight wheel 1606
disposed below the oscillating weight 1605 are rotatably journaled
by a shaft fixed to the upper receiving plate 2010, and the removal
of them in an axial direction is prevented by an oscillating weight
screw 1607. The oscillating weight wheel 1606 is meshed with the
wheel pinion unit 1608a of a power generating rotor transmission
wheel, and the gear portion 1608b of the power generating rotor
transmission wheel is meshed with the wheel pinion unit of the
power generating rotor 1604. The speed of the train wheel is
increased from 30 times to about 200 times. The speed increasing
ratio can be optionally set in accordance with the capability of
the power generating unit and the specification of the watch.
In the above arrangement, when the oscillating weight 1605 is
rotated by the motion of the wrist of a user, or the like, the
power generating rotor 1604 is rotated at a high speed. Since the
permanent magnet is fixed to the power generating rotor 1604, the
direction of magnetic flux which is obliquely across the power
generating coil 1602 is changed through the power generating stator
1603 each time the power generating rotor 1604 is rotated, whereby
an alternating voltage is generated to the power generating coil
1602 by electromagnetic induction. The alternating voltage is
rectified by a rectifying circuit mounted on the circuit board 1704
and charged to the secondary power supply 1500.
Subsequently, the structure of the reset to zero mechanism 1200R,
which is a characteristic portion of the present invention, will be
described.
FIG. 42 is a side sectional view showing an example of the
schematic arrangement of the main portion of the reset to zero
mechanism 1200R. Note that the reset to zero mechanism 1200R shown
in FIG. 40 shows a reset state, whereas the reset to zero mechanism
1200R shown in FIG. 42 shows a stop state.
In FIGS. 40 and 42, the reset to zero mechanism 1200R is
mechanically started/stopped and reset by the rotation of an
actuation cam 1240 which is disposed at approximate the center of
the main body of the timepiece 1000. The actuation cam 1240 is
formed in a cylindrical shape and has a plurality of tooth 1240a
formed on the side along the periphery thereof at a predetermined
pitch and columns 1240b formed along the periphery of an end
surface thereof at a predetermined pitch. When the actuation cam
1240 is in a stationary state, the phase thereof is regulated by an
actuation cam jumper 1241 which is engaged between teeth 1240a and
rotated counterclockwise by an actuation cam rotating unit 1242d
disposed at the extreme end of an actuation lever 1242.
As shown in FIG. 43, a start/stop actuation mechanism is composed
of an actuation lever 1242, a switch lever A 1243 and an operating
lever spring 1244. The actuation lever 1242 is formed in an
approximate flat-L-shape. At one end of the lever 1242 is a bent
press section 1242a, an oval through hole 1242b and a pin 1242c. At
the other end is an acute press section 1242d. The actuation lever
1242 is arranged as a start/stop actuation mechanism in such a
manner that the press section 1242d is caused to be in contact with
the start/stop button 1201. A pin 1242e fixed to the third
intermediate receiving plate 2003 is inserted into the through hole
1242b, an end of the operating lever spring 1244 is engaged against
the pin 1242c, and the press section 1242d is disposed in the
vicinity of the actuation cam 1240.
An end of the switch lever A 1243 is arranged as a switch section
1243a, an approximate center thereof is provided with a flat
projection 1243b and the other end thereof is arranged as a locking
section 1243c. The switch lever A 1243 is arranged as the
start/stop actuation mechanism in such a manner that the
approximate center thereof is rotatably journaled about a pin 1243d
fixed to the third intermediate receiving plate 2003. The switch
section 1243a is disposed in the vicinity of the start circuit of
the circuit board 1704, the projection 1243b is disposed to come
into contact with a column 1240b disposed in the axial direction of
the actuation cam 1240, and the locking section 1243c is engaged
against a pin 1243e fixed to the third intermediate receiving plate
2003. That is, the switch section 1243a of the switch lever A 1243
is turned on by being caused to come into contact with the start
circuit of the circuit board 1704. Note that the switch lever A
1243, which is electrically connected to the secondary power supply
1500 through the main plate 1701 and the like'has the same
potential as that of the positive pole of the secondary power
supply 1500.
An example of operation of the start/stop actuation mechanism
arranged as described above will be described as to a case in which
a chronograph is started with reference to FIG. 43 to FIG. 45.
As shown in FIG. 43, when the chronograph is in a stop state, the
actuation lever 1242 is positioned in the state in which the press
section 1242a is separated from the start/stop button 1201, the pin
1242c is pushed in the direction of an illustrated arrow a by the
elastic force of the operating lever spring 1244, and an end of the
through hole 1242b is pushed in the direction of an illustrated
arrow b. Additionally, the extreme end 1242d of the actuation lever
1242 is located between teeth 1240a of the actuation cam 1240.
The switch lever A 1243 is positioned in the state in which the
projection 1243b is pushed upward by a column 1240b of the
actuation cam 1240 so as to be against the spring force of a spring
section 1243c disposed to the other end of the switch lever A 1243
and the locking section 1243c is pushed in the direction of an
illustrated arrow C by the pin 1243e. At the time, the switch
section 1243a of the switch lever A 1243 is separated from the
start circuit of the circuit board 1704 so that the start circuit
is electrically shut off.
When the start/stop button 1201 is pressed in the direction of the
illustrated arrow a to shift the chronograph to a start state from
the above state as shown in FIG. 44, the press section 1242a of the
actuation lever 1242 comes into contact with the start/stop button
1201 and is pressed in the direction of the illustrated arrow b,
whereby the operating lever spring 1244 is pushed against the pin
1242c and elastically deformed in the direction of the illustrated
arrow c. Therefore, the actuation lever 1242 is moved in the
direction of an illustrated arrow d as a whole by being guided by
the through hole 1242b and the pin 1242e. Additionally, the extreme
end 1242d of the actuation lever 1242 comes into contact with and
pushed against the sides of a tooth 1240a of the actuation cam
1240, thereby rotating the actuation cam 1240 in the direction of
an illustrated arrow e.
At the same time, the phase of the sides of the columns section
1240b is displaced from that of the projection 1243b of the switch
lever A 1243 by the rotation of the actuation cam 1240. When the
displacement reaches the gap between columns 1240b, the projection
1243b is urged into the gap by the restoring force of the spring
section 1243c. Therefore, the switch section 1243a of the switch
lever A 1243 is rotated in the direction of an arrow f and comes
into contact with the start circuit of the circuit board 1704 so
that the start circuit is electrically conductive.
At the time, the same extreme end 1241a of the actuation cam jumper
1241 is pushed upward by a tooth 1240a of the actuation cam
1240.
Then, the above operation is continued until the teeth 1240a of the
actuation lever 1242 is fed one pitch.
Thereafter, when a user hand is released from the start/stop button
1201, it is automatically returned to its original state by a
spring contained therein as shown in FIG. 45. Then, the pin 1242c
of the actuation lever 1242 is pressed in the direction of the
illustrated arrow a by the restoring force of the operating lever
spring 1244. Accordingly, the actuation lever 1242 is moved as a
whole in the direction of the illustrated arrow b by being guided
by the through hole 1242b and the pin 1242e until an end of the
through hole 1242b comes into contact with the pin 1242e and is
returned to the state of a position similar to that shown in FIG.
43.
Since the same projection 1243b of the switch lever A 1243 remains
between columns 1240b of the actuation cam 1240 at the time, the
switch section 1243a is in contact with the start circuit of the
circuit board 1704, and thus the electric conductive state of the
start circuit is maintained. Therefore, the chronograph is
maintained in the start state.
At the time, the extreme end 1241a of the actuation cam jumper 1241
enters between teeth 1240a of the actuation cam 1240 to thereby
regulate the reverse rotation of the actuation cam 1240.
On the other hand, when the chronograph is to be stopped, operation
similar to the above start operation is carried out so that the
state shown in FIG. 43 is finally restored.
As described above, the actuation lever 1242 is rotated by swinging
the actuation lever 1242 by pushing the start/stop button 1201,
whereby the start/stop of the chronograph can be controlled by
swinging the switch lever A 1243.
As shown in FIG. 40, the reset actuation mechanism comprises the
actuation cam 1240, a transmission lever 1251, an operating lever
1251, a hammer operating lever 1252, a hammer intermediate lever
1253, a hammer start lever 1254, an operating lever spring 1244, a
hammer intermediate lever spring 1255, a hammer jumper 1256, and a
switch lever b1257. Further, the reset actuation mechanism
comprises a heart cam A 1261, a reset to zero lever A 1262, a reset
to zero lever A spring 1263, a heart cam B 1264, a reset to zero
lever B 1265, a reset to zero lever B spring 1266, a heart cam C
1267, a reset to zero lever C 1268, a reset to zero lever C spring
1269, a heart cam D 1270, a reset to zero lever D 1271, and a reset
to zero lever D spring 1272.
The chronograph reset actuation mechanism is arranged such that it
is not actuated when the chronograph is set to the stop state. The
mechanism is called a safety mechanism. First, the operating lever
1251, the hammer operating lever 1252, the hammer intermediate
lever 1253, the operating lever spring 1244, the hammer
intermediate lever spring 1255, and the hammer jumper 1256 which
constitute the safety mechanism will be described with reference to
FIG. 46. Note that the hammer intermediate lever spring 1255 and
the hammer jumper 1256 are omitted in the figure.
The operating lever 1251 is formed in an approximately flat-Y-shape
and has a press section 1251a at an end and an oval through hole
1251b at an end of a fork, and a pin 1251c is interposed between
the press section 1251a and the through hole 1251b. The operating
lever 1251 is arranged as the reset actuation mechanism in such a
manner that the press section 1251a is caused to be in contact with
the reset button 1202, the pin 1252c of the hammer operating lever
1252 is inserted into the through hole 1251b. The other end of the
fork is rotatably journaled by a pin 1251d fixed to the movement
side and the other end of the operating lever spring 1244 is
engaged against the pin 1251c.
The hammer operating lever 1252 is arranged such that a first
hammer operating lever 1252a of an approximately rectangular
flat-plate-shape overlaps a second hammer operating lever 1252 and
is journaled by a rotatable shaft 1252g at an approximate center
thereof each other so as to rotate. The pin 1252c disposed at an
end of the first hammer operating lever 1252a, and press sections
1252d and 1252e are formed at both the ends of the second hammer
operating lever 1252b, respectively. The hammer operating lever
1252 is arranged as the reset actuation mechanism in such a manner
that the pin 1252c is inserted into the through hole 1251b of the
operating lever 1251, the other end of the first hammer operating
lever 1252a is rotatably journaled by a pin 1252f fixed to the
third intermediate receiving plate 2003. Further the press section
1252d is caused to be in contact with the press section 1253c of
the hammer intermediate lever 1253, and the press section 1252e is
disposed in the vicinity of the actuation cam 1240.
The hammer intermediate lever 1253 is formed in an approximately
rectangular flat shape and has pins 1253a and 1253b disposed at an
end and an intermediate section, respectively. In addition, one of
the corner portions of the other end of the hammer intermediate
lever 1253 is formed as the press section 1253c. The hammer
intermediate lever 1253 is arranged as the reset actuation
mechanism in such a manner that an end of the hammer intermediate
lever spring 1255 is engaged against the pin 1253a. An end of the
hammer jumper 1256 is engaged against the pin 1253b, the press
section 1253c is caused to be in contact with the press section
1252d of the second hammer operating lever 1252b, and the other
corner portion of the other end is rotatably journaled by a pin
1253d fixed to the third intermediate receiving plate 2003.
An example of operation of the safety mechanism arranged as
described above will be described with reference to FIG. 46 to FIG.
49.
When the chronograph is in the start state, the operating lever
1251 is positioned in the state in which the press section 1251a is
separated from the reset button 1202 and the pin 1251c is pushed in
the direction of an illustrated arrow a by the elastic force of the
operating lever spring 1244 as shown in FIG. 46. At the same time,
the press section 1252e of the second hammer operating lever 1252b
is positioned outwardly of the gap between columns 1240b of the
actuation cam 1240.
When the reset button 1202 is pressed in the direction of the
illustrated arrow a in this state as shown in FIG. 47, the press
section 1251a of the operating lever 1251 comes into contact with
the reset button 1202 and pressed in the direction of an arrow b,
whereby the pin 1251c presses the operating lever spring 1244 and
elastically deforms it in the direction of an arrow c. Therefore,
the actuation lever 1251 is rotated as a whole in the direction of
an illustrated arrow d about the pin 1251d. Since the pin 1252c of
the first hammer operating lever 1252a is moved along the through
hole 1251b of the operating lever 1251 by the rotation, the first
hammer operating lever 1252a is rotated in the direction of an
illustrated arrow e about the pin 1252f.
At the same time, since the press section 1252e of the second
hammer operating lever 1252b enters the gap between columns 1240b
of the actuation cam 1240, even if the press section 1252d comes
into contact with the press section 1253c of the hammer
intermediate lever 1253, the second hammer operating lever 1252b is
rotated about the shaft 1252g and stroke is absorbed. Thus, the
press section 1253c is not pressed by the press section 1252d.
Therefore, the manipulating force of the reset button 1202 is
interrupted by the hammer operating lever 1252 and is not
transmitted to the reset actuation mechanism located rearward of
the hammer intermediate lever 1253 to be described later.
Accordingly, even if the reset button 1202 is erroneously pressed
when the chronograph is in the start state, the chronograph is
prevented from being reset.
When the chronograph is in the stop state, the operating lever 1251
is positioned in the state in which the press section 1251a is
separated from the reset button 1202 and the pin 1251c is pressed
in the direction of an illustrated arrow a by the elastic force of
the operating lever spring 1244 as shown in FIG. 48. At the same
time, the press section 1252e of the second hammer operating lever
1252b is in contact with the side of a column 1240b of the
actuation cam 1240.
When the reset button 1202 is pressed with a hand in the direction
of an illustrated arrow a in this state as shown in FIG. 49, the
press section 1251a of the operating lever 1251 comes into contact
with the reset button 1202 and is pressed in the direction of an
arrow b, whereby the pin 1251c presses the operating lever spring
1244 and elastically deforms it in the direction of an arrow c.
Therefore, the actuation lever 1251 is rotated as a whole in the
direction of an illustrated arrow d about the pin 1251d. Since the
pin 1252c of the first hammer operating lever 1252a is moved along
the through hole 1251b by the rotation, the first hammer operating
lever 1252a is rotated in the direction of an illustrated arrow e
about the pin 1252f.
Since the press section 1252e of the second hammer operating lever
1252b is stopped by the side of a column 1240b of the actuation cam
1240, the second hammer operating lever 1252b is rotated in the
direction of the illustrated arrow f about the shaft 1252g. Since
the rotation causes the press section 1252d of the second hammer
operating lever 1252b to come into contact with and pushes the
press section 1253c of the hammer intermediate lever 1253 and to
press it, the hammer intermediate lever 1253 is rotated in the
direction of the illustrated arrow g about the pin 1253d.
Therefore, since the manipulating force of the reset button 1202 is
transmitted to the reset actuation mechanism located rearward of
the hammer intermediate lever 1253 , the chronograph can be reset
by pressing the reset button 1202 when the chronograph is in the
stop state. Note that when the chronograph is reset, the contact of
the switch lever B 1257 comes into contact with the reset circuit
of the circuit board 1704, whereby the chronograph is electrically
reset.
Next, description will be made with reference to FIG. 50 as to the
hammer start lever 1254, the heart cam A 1261, the reset to zero
lever A 1262, the reset to zero lever A spring 1263, the heart cam
B 1264, the reset to zero lever B 1265, the reset to zero lever B
spring 1266, the heart cam C 1267, the reset to zero lever C 1268,
the reset to zero lever C spring 1269, the heart cam D 1270, the
reset to zero lever D 1271, and the reset to zero lever D spring
1272 which constitute the main mechanisms of the chronograph reset
actuation mechanism shown in FIG. 40.
The hammer start lever 1254 is formed in one approximate
flat-I-shape and has an end at which an oval through hole 1254a is
formed and another end at which a lever D suppressing section 1254b
is formed. Further, the hammer start lever 1254 has a lever B
suppressing section 1254c and a lever C suppressing section 1254d
formed at the center thereof. The hammer start lever 1254 is
arranged as the reset actuation mechanism in such a manner that the
central portion thereof is rotatably fixed and the pin 1253b of the
hammer intermediate lever 1253 is inserted into the through hole
1254a.
The heart cams A 1261, B 1264, C 1267, and D 1270 are fixed to the
respective rotating shafts of the 1/10 second CG wheel 1232, the
one second CG wheel 1223, the minute CG wheel 1216, and the hour CG
wheel 1217, respectively.
An end of the reset to zero lever A 1262 is arranged as a hammer
unit 1262a for striking the heart cam A 1261, the other end thereof
is provided with a rotation regulating section 1262b, and the
central portion thereof is provided with a pin 1262c. The reset to
zero lever A 1262 is arranged as the reset actuation mechanism in
such a manner that the other end is rotatably journaled about the
pin 1253d fixed to the third intermediate receiving plate 2003 and
an end of the reset to zero lever A spring 1263 is engaged against
the pin 1262c.
An end of the reset to zero lever B 1265 is formed as a hammer unit
1265a for striking the heart cam B 1264, the other end is provided
with a rotation regulating section 1265b and a press section 1265c,
and a central portion is provided with a pin 1265d. The reset to
zero lever B 1265 is arranged as the reset actuation mechanism in
such a manner that the other end is rotatably journaled by the pin
1253d fixed to the third intermediate receiving plate 2003 and an
end of the reset to zero lever B spring 1266 is engaged against the
pin 1265d.
An end of the reset to zero lever C 1268 is arranged as a hammer
unit 1268a for striking the heart cam B 1267, the other end is
provided with a rotation regulating section 1268b and a press
section 1268c, and the central portion is provided with a pin
1268d. The reset to zero lever C 1268 is arranged as the reset
actuation mechanism in such a manner that the other end is
rotatably journaled about a pin 1268e fixed to the third
intermediate receiving plate 2003 and an end of the reset to zero
lever C spring 1269 is engaged against the pin 1268d.
An end of the reset to zero lever D 1271 is arranged as a hammer
unit 1271a for striking the heart cam D 1270, and the other end is
provided with a pin 1271b. The reset to zero lever D 1271 is
arranged as the reset actuation mechanism in such a manner that the
other end is rotatably journaled by a pin 1271c fixed to the third
intermediate receiving plate 2003 and an end of the reset to zero
lever D spring 1272 is engaged against the pin 1271b.
An example of operation of the reset actuation mechanism arranged
as described above will be explained with reference to FIGS. 50 and
51.
When the chronograph is in the stop state, the reset to zero lever
A 1262 is positioned in the state in which the rotation regulating
section 1262b is locked to the rotation regulating section 1265b of
the reset to zero lever B 1265, and the pin 1262c is biased in the
direction of the illustrated arrow a by the elastic force of the
operating lever spring 1263 as shown in FIG. 50.
The reset to zero lever B 1265 is positioned in the state in which
the rotation regulating section 1265b is locked to the lever B
suppressing section 1254c of the hammer start lever 1254, the press
section 1265c is pushed against the side of a column section 1240b,
and the pin 1265d is pushed in the direction of an illustrated
arrow b by the elastic force of the reset to zero lever B spring
1266.
The reset to zero lever C 1268 is positioned in the state in which
the rotation regulating section 1268b is engaged against the lever
C suppressing section 1254d of the hammer start lever 1254, the
press section 1268c is pushed against the side of a column 1240b of
the actuation cam 1240, and the pin 1268d is pressed in the
direction of the illustrated arrow c by the elastic force of the
reset to zero lever C spring 1269.
The reset to zero lever D 1271 is positioned in the state in which
the pin 1271b is engaged against the lever D suppressing section
1254b of the hammer start lever 1254 and is also pushed in the
direction of an illustrated arrow d by the elastic force of the
reset to zero lever D spring 1272.
Therefore, the respective hammer unit 1262a, 1265a, 1286a, and
1271a of the reset to zero levers A 1262, B 1265, C 1268, and D
1271 are positioned by being spaced apart from the respective heart
cams A 1261, B 1264, C 1267, and D 1270 a predetermined
distance.
When the hammer intermediate lever 1253 is rotated in the direction
of the illustrated arrow g about the pin 1253d in this state as
shown in FIG. 49, since the pin 1253b of the hammer intermediate
lever 1253 is moved in the through hole 1254a of the hammer start
lever 1254 while pushing the through hole 1254a of the hammer start
lever 1254 in the through hole 1254a, the hammer start lever 1254
is rotated in the direction of the illustrated arrow a.
Thus, the rotation regulating section 1265b of the reset to zero
lever B 1265 is removed from the lever B suppressing section 1254c
of the hammer start lever 1254, and the press section 1265c of the
reset to zero lever B 1265 enters the gap between column sections
1240b of the actuation cam 1240. With this operation, the pin 1265d
of the reset to zero lever B 1265 is pushed in the direction of the
illustrated arrow c by the restoring force of the reset to zero
lever B spring 1266.
At the same time, the regulation of the rotation regulating section
1262b is released and the pin 1262c of the reset to zero lever A
1262 is pushed in the direction of the illustrated arrow b by the
restoring force of the reset to zero lever A spring 1263.
Therefore, the reset to zero lever A 1262 and the reset to zero
lever B 1265 are rotated in the directions of illustrated arrows d
and e about the pin 1253d, and the respective hammer units 1262a
and 1265a strike the respective heart cams A 1261 and B 1264 and
rotate them, and reset the 1/10 second chronograph hand 1231 and
the one second chronograph hand 1221 to zero, respectively.
At the same time, the rotation regulating section 1268b of the
reset to zero lever C 1268 is removed from the lever C suppressing
section 1254d of the hammer start lever 1254, the press section
1268c of the reset to zero lever C 1268 enters the gap between
columns 1240b of the actuation cam 1240, and the pin 1268d of the
reset to zero lever C 1268 is pushed in the direction of an
illustrated arrow f by the restoring force of the reset to zero
lever C spring 1269. Further, the pin 1271b of the reset to zero
lever D 1271 is removed from the lever D suppressing section 1254b
of the hammer start lever 1254. With this operation, the pin 1271b
of the reset to zero lever D 1271 is pushed in the direction of an
illustrated arrow h by the restoring force of the reset to zero
lever D spring 1272. Therefore, the reset to zero lever C 1268 and
the reset to zero lever D 1271 are rotated in the directions of
illustrated arrows i and i about the pin 1268e and the pin 1271c,
respectively. The respective hammer units 1268a and 1271a strike
and rotate the heart cams C 1267 and D 1270 and reset the 1/10
second chronograph hand 1231 and the one second chronograph hand
1221 to zero, respectively.
With a series of the above operation, when the chronograph is in
the stop state, the chronograph can be reset by pressing the reset
button 1202. As described above, the 12 hours display section 1210,
the 60 seconds display section 1220, and the one second display
section 1230 are radially disposed at the positions which are
equally apart from the center of the main body of the timepiece
1000 and the actuation cam 1240 is disposed the approximate center
of the main body of the timepiece 1000. Accordingly, the reset to
zero mechanism 1200R can be arranged compact as a whole and the
main body of the timepiece 1000 can be reduced in size. Further,
the reset to zero lever A 1262, the reset to zero lever B 1265, the
reset to zero lever C 1268, and the reset to zero lever D 1271 have
approximately the same lengths and the respective reset to zero
levers can be operated by the single actuation cam 1240. Thus, it
is possible to design the respective reset to zero levers so that
they strike heart cams A 1261, B 1261, C 1267, and D 1270 with the
same torque and the same timing and to use the same hands as the
respective chronograph hands 1231, 1221, 1211 and 1212, whereby
accuracy can be more enhanced.
FIG. 52 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the
arrangement of the system as a whole excluding the mechanical
portion of the timepiece 1000 of FIG. 36.
A signal SQB having an oscillating frequency of, for example, 32
kHz, which is output from a quartz oscillating circuit 1801
including the tonometer type quartz resonator 1703, is input to a
high frequency dividing circuit 1802 and divided to frequencies
from 16 kHz to 128 Hz. A signal SHD divided by the frequency
dividing circuit 1802 is input to a low frequency dividing circuit
1803 and divided to frequencies from 64 Hz to 1/80 Hz. Note that
the frequency generated by the low frequency dividing circuit 1803
can be reset by a basic watch reset circuit 1804 connected to the
low frequency dividing circuit 1803.
A signal SLD divided by the low frequency dividing circuit 1803 is
input to a motor pulse generating circuit 1805 as a timing signal,
and when the divided signal SLD is made active at, for example,
each 1 second or 1/10second, pulses for driving a motor and pulses
SPW for detecting the rotation and the like of the motor are
created. The motor drive pulses SPW created by the motor pulse
generating circuit 1805 are supplied to the motor 1300 of the
ordinary time measuring section 1100 so as to drive the motor.
Further, the pulses SPW for detecting the rotation of the motor and
the like are supplied to a motor detecting circuit 1806 at a timing
different from that of the above pulses so that the external
magnetic field of the motor 1300 and the rotation of the rotor of
the motor 1300 are detected. Then, the external magnetic field
detecting signal and the rotation detecting signal SDW detected by
the motor detecting circuit 1806 are fed back to the motor pulse
generating circuit 1805.
The alternating voltage SAC generated by the power generating unit
1600 is input to the rectifying circuit 1609 through a charge
control circuit 1811, subjected to, for example, half-wave
rectification, made to a direct current voltage SDC and charged in
the secondary power supply 1500. The voltage SVB across both ends
of the secondary power supply 1500 is detected by the voltage
detecting circuit 1812 at all time or when necessary. A
corresponding charge control command SFC is input to the charge
control circuit 1811 depending upon the excessive or insufficient
state of the charged amount of the secondary power supply 1500.
Then, the start/stop of the supply of the alternating voltage SAC
generated by the power generating unit 1600 to a rectifying circuit
1609 is controlled in response to the charge control command
SFC.
In contrast, the direct current voltage SDC charged in the
secondary power supply 1500 is input to a voltage increase circuit
1813 including a voltage increasing capacitor 1813a and increased
to a predetermined times of a voltage. Then, the increased direct
current voltage SDU is charged in a large capacitance capacitor
1814.
The voltage increase is a means for securing reliable operation
even if the voltage of the secondary power supply 1500 is lower
than the operating voltage of the motors and circuits. That is, the
motors and the circuits are driven by the electric energy stored in
the large capacity capacitor 1814. However, when the voltage of the
secondary power supply 1500 is increased to an approximate 1.3V,
the large capacity capacitor 1814 and the secondary power supply
1500 are used by being connected in parallel with each other.
The voltage SVC across both ends of the large capacity capacitor
1814 is detected by the voltage detecting circuit 1812 at all times
or when necessary, and a corresponding voltage increase command SUC
is input to a voltage increase control circuit 1815 depending upon
the remaining state of the amount of electricity in the large
capacity capacitor 1814. Then, a voltage increasing ratio SWC in
the voltage increase circuit 1813 is controlled based on the
voltage increase command SUC. The voltage increasing ratio means a
multiplying ratio when the voltage of the secondary power supply
1500 is increased and generated by the large capacity capacitor
1814 and controlled at a multiplying ratio of 3 times, 2 times, 1.5
times, 1 time and the like when it is represented by (voltage of
the large capacity capacitor 1814)/(voltage of the secondary power
supply 1500).
The start signal SST, the stop signal SSP and the reset signal SRT,
which are supplied from the switch A 1821 provided with the
start/stop button 1201 and the switch B 1822 provided with the
reset button 1202, are input to a mode control circuit 1824 for
controlling the respective modes in the chronograph through either
a switch input circuit 1823, which determines whether the
start/stop button 1201 is pressed or not, or a switch input
circuit/chattering prevention circuit 1823, which determines
whether the reset button 1202 is pressed or not. Note that switch A
1821 includes a switch lever A 1243 as a switch holding mechanism,
and switch B 1822 includes a switch lever B 1257.
Further, the signal SHD divided by the frequency dividing circuit
1802 is also input to the mode control circuit 1824. Then, a
start/stop control signal SMC is supplied from the mode control
circuit 1824 in response to the start signal SST. The chronograph
reference signal SCB created by a chronograph reference signal
generating circuit 1825 is input to the motor pulse generating
circuit 1826 in response to the start/stop control signal SMC.
On the other hand, the chronograph reference signal SCB created by
the chronograph reference signal generating circuit 1825 is also
input to a chronograph low frequency dividing circuit. The signal
SHD divided by the frequency dividing circuit 1802 is divided from
a frequency of 64 Hz to a frequency of 16 Hz in synchronism with
the chronograph reference signal SCB. Then, the signal SCD divided
by the frequency dividing circuit 1827 is input to the motor pulse
generating circuit 1826.
Then, the chronograph reference signal SCB and the dividing signal
SCD are input to the motor pulse generating circuit 1826 as timing
signals. For example, the dividing signal SCD is made active in
response to the output timing of the chronograph reference signal
SCB which is issued, for example, each 1/10 second or 1 second, and
pulses for driving a motor and pulses SPC for detecting the
rotation and the like of the motor are created in response to the
dividing signal SCD and the like. The motor drive pulses SPC
created by the motor pulse generating circuit 1826 is supplied to
the chronograph motor 1400 so as to drive it. Further, the pulse
SPC for detecting the rotation and the like of the motor is
supplied to a motor detecting circuit 1828 at a timing different
from that of the above pulse so that the external magnetic field of
the motor 1400 and the rotation of the rotor of the motor 1400 are
detected. Then, the external magnetic field detecting signal and
the rotation detecting signal SDG detected by the motor detecting
circuit 1828 are fed back to the motor pulse generating circuit
1826.
Further, the chronograph reference signal SCB created by the
chronograph reference signal generating circuit 1825 is also input
to an automatic stop counter 1829 of, for example, 16 bits and
counted thereby. Then, when the count reaches a predetermined count
value, that is, a measurement limit time is reached, an automatic
stop signal SAS is input to the mode control circuit 1824. At that
time, the stop signal SSP is input to the chronograph reference
signal generating circuit 1825, whereby the chronograph reference
signal generating circuit 1825 is stopped and reset.
Further, when the stop signal SSP is input to the mode control
circuit 1824, the output of the start/stop control signal SMC is
stopped and the creation of the chronograph reference signal SCB
also is stopped so that the drive of the chronograph motor 1400 is
stopped. After the creation of the chronograph reference signal SCB
is stopped, that is, after the creation of the start/stop control
signal SMC, which will be described later, is stopped, the reset
signal SRT, which has been input to the mode control circuit 1824,
is supplied to the chronograph reference signal generating circuit
1825 and the automatic stop counter 1829 as a reset control signal
SRC. Thus, the chronograph reference signal generating circuit 1825
and the automatic stop counter 1829 are reset as well as the
respective chronograph hands are reset (to zero).
The present invention is by no means limited to the above
embodiment and various modification can be made within the range
which does not depart from claims.
For example, although the two motors, that is, the ordinary time
drive motor 1300 and the chronograph drive motor 1400 are
independently provided, respectively in the above embodiment, when
the ordinary time unit and the chronograph unit are arranged so
that they are driven by a single drive motor, it is possible to
further reduce the size and to further save electric power.
Further, while the electronic watch having the analog display type
chronograph function has been described as the timepiece, the
present invention is not limited thereto and also is applicable to
an analog display type multi-function timepiece.
As described above, according to the present invention, since the
actuation cam is disposed at the approximate center of the main
body of the timepiece, a useless space can be saved as well as the
number of parts can be reduced and the size of the main body of the
timepiece can be reduced by effectively disposing the reset to zero
mechanism as a whole.
According to the present invention, the disposition of the
indicator wheels, to which the indicator hands of the ordinary time
display section and the time information display section are
attached, to the peripheral portion of the approximate center of
the main body of the timepiece permits the actuation cam to be
disposed at the approximate center of the main body of the
timepiece as well as the number of parts to be reduced, whereby the
size of the main body of the timepiece can be reduced.
According to the present invention, the lengths of a plurality of
the reset to zero levers can be made approximately the same and the
respective reset to zero levers can be operated by the single
actuation lever. Therefore, it is possible to design the respective
reset to zero levers so that they strike the respective heart cams
with the same torque at the same timing, to design the respective
reset to zero levers so as to have the same torque and the same
timing, and to use the same hands as the respective chronograph
hands, whereby accuracy can be more enhanced and the cost of parts
can be lowered. A plurality of hands are operated in a mechanical
reset to zero structure, the failure of even one of the hands is
critical. Accordingly, it is indispensable to maintain the same
life and the same capability of the respective reset to zero levers
by designing them so as to have the same structure and to operate
at the same timing.
According to the present invention, since battery replacement and
the like is unnecessary, maintenance cost is lowered. Additionally,
as internal pollution and defective waterproofing, which may result
during battery replacement, can be prevented.
According to the present invention, the effect of storage can be
enhanced.
According to the present invention, since storage can be
automatically carried out, an operation failure due to the sudden
drop of the voltage of the power supply can be prevented in
measurement so that the measurement can be carried out in a good
state at all times.
According to the present invention, there can be provided a
chronograph of small size which is not conventionally available and
does not require replacement cell and the like. Further, a shock
applied to the oscillating weight when the timepiece is dropped can
be resisted by disposing the oscillating weight at the approximate
center of the timepiece. Thus, the backlash of the chronograph and
the backlash of the reset to zero mechanism can be secured and the
timepiece can be normally operated. Furthermore, the disposition of
the actuation cam at the approximate center permits the position of
the button and the layout of the chronograph to be arbitrarily
set.
According to the present invention, since at least two kinds of the
time units can be displayed, time information of higher accuracy
and time information of a long period of time can be obtained.
According to the present invention, since at least two kinds of the
time units are mechanically displayed by the train wheels, the
reliability of the display can be increased.
According to the present invention, the timepiece can be arranged
as the small wrist watch which is not conventionally available and
does not require replacing a cell and the like.
According to the present invention, since the timepiece is composed
of a quartz, it can be arranged as the chronograph having pinpoint
accuracy which cannot be obtained by conventional mechanical
chronographs.
Industrial Applicability
As described above, the present invention is suitably used as a
multi-function-timepiece and a time measuring method.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with several
specific embodiments, it is evident to those skilled in the art
that many further alternatives, modifications and variations will
be apparent in light of the foregoing description. Thus, the
invention described herein is intended to embrace all such
alternatives, modifications, applications and variations as may
fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *